John Gill Commentary Matthew 18:20

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." — Matthew 18:20 (ASV)

For where two or three are gathered together
This seems to be said in opposition to a Jewish notion, that a number less than ten, is not a congregation^F1.

Whereas, though the number is ever so few that are met together to pray to God; or to hear his word, attend on his ordinances, or do the business of his house, or transact any affair that is for the glory of God, and the good of souls, in my name, says Christ; that is, by his authority, depending on his assistance, calling upon his name, and making use of it, and seeking the glory of it:

there am I in the midst of them ;
presiding over them, ruling in their hearts, directing their counsels, assisting them in all they are concerned, confirming what they do, and giving a blessing and success to all they are engaged in. The Jews, though they say there is no congregation less than ten, yet own that the divine presence may be with a lesser number, even as small an one as here mentioned^F2.

``Ten that sit and study in the law, the Shechaniah dwells among them, as it is said, (Psalms 82:1) . From where does this appear, if but five? from (Amos 9:6) , from where, if but three? from (Psalms 82:1) , from where, if but two? from (Malachi 3:16) , from where, if but one? from (Exodus 20:24) .''

And again^F3,

``two that sit together, and the words of the law are between them, the Shechaniah dwells among them, according to (Malachi 3:16) , from where does it appear, that if but one sits and studies in the law, the holy blessed God has fixed a reward for him? from (Lamentations 3:28) .''

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FOOTNOTES:

• F1: Misn. Sanhedrim, c. 1. sect. 6. T. Bab. Megilia, fol. 23. 2. Gloss. in ib.
• F2: Pirke Abot, c. 3. sect. 6.
• F3: Ib. sect. 2.