During a prayer meeting (especially a small one!), how often have you heard someone quote Matthew 18:20 saying “Where two or three are gathered…” The assumption is that Jesus is in the midst of at least two people praying or meeting together. So does that mean Jesus isn’t present if you are alone or if there are more than three of you? Of course not. Why? Because all genuine believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit – God is always with us.

So what is the actual context of Matthew 18:20? If you read from 18:15 you will see that Jesus is actually providing instructions on church discipline/ dealing with sin in the church. Here’s what He says to do:

1) Deal with the issue privately.  All going well, the matter is resolved amicably and church unity remains intact.

2) If the private meeting fails, then take along 1-2 more people to talk with the individual/s concerned.  

3) If there is still no resolution, then the matter must be brought before the entire church.  

The requirement for 2-3 witnesses is based on Deuteronomy 19:15, a law which the new testament disciples and religious leaders would have been well aware of. But now, within the church context, leaders must also deal with such matters in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1). If the Biblical model for dealing with sin in the church is genuinely followed, then God will always be there in our midst to help.

So if you are in a small prayer meeting, you could still pray ‘where two or three are gathered…’ but keep in mind that in its correct context, this passage outlines the Biblical method of church discipline.  

Scriptures to help you re-align with God’s Word:

Deuteronomy 19:15-21

Matthew 18:15-20