What Does the Bible Say About Church Discipline?
What Does the Bible Say About Church Discipline? Church discipline is the biblical process of lovingly confronting sin within the church body to restore the sinner and protect the church's integrity.
Key verse: Matthew 18:15 (KJV)
Church discipline is the biblical process of lovingly confronting sin within the church body to restore the sinner and protect the church's integrity.
Church discipline is the biblical process of lovingly confronting sin within the church body to restore the sinner and protect the church's integrity.
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother." — Matthew 18:15 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus outlined the process in Matthew 18:15-17: first approach the person privately, then with one or two witnesses, then bring it before the church, and if unrepentant, treat them as an outsider. The goal is always restoration (Galatians 6:1), not punishment. Paul commanded the Corinthian church to discipline an unrepentant member (1 Corinthians 5:1-5) but later urged them to forgive and restore him (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). Church discipline applies to serious, unrepentant sin—not minor offenses. It must be done with humility, gentleness, and awareness of one's own vulnerability to sin. Healthy churches practice discipline with both truth and love, protecting the congregation while pursuing the individual's spiritual welfare.
Key Scripture References
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
"So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
While the Bible doesn't give a complete answer, it reveals that God uses suffering for growth, discipline, compassion, and ultimately His glory.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Church Discipline?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is Church Discipline in the Bible?
Theology & Doctrine
What are the seven churches of Revelation?
Theology & Doctrine
Binding and Loosing in the Bible
Binding and loosing is Jesus' grant of kingdom authority to His church — to decl
Acts 2:42 — Meaning & Devotional
Church Life
Acts 2:42 Commentary
In-depth study • Early Church Life
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Church Discipline?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.