Matthew 18:15-17: Conflict, Confrontation, and Conflict Resolution in a "Fictive Kin" Association

Abstract

The aim of this study is to establish a plausible scenario for Matthean conflict resolution and to further clarify the stage of group formation of the Matthean group. It defends the thesis that the Matthean author modifies, and thereby intentionally obscures, a more sharply developed disciplinary process that existed in the Matthean fictive kin association, one that is analogous to processes such as those in the groups mentioned below. Matthew 18:15-17 thus reveals the tip of a developing organizational iceberg. After opening with a brief hermeneutical statement about writers, texts, and readers, this study explores the three-step process in Matthew 18:15-18 in relation to similar processes of analogous groups, especially voluntary associations, in the ancient Mediterranean. It includes analysis of (a) the tradents of the "reproof" exegetical traditions stemming from Leviticus 19:15-17, (b) the group(s) behind the Dead Sea Scrolls, (c) the Iobakchoi, (d) comments representing Rabbinical debates, and (e) the virtue of "frank speech" in certain philosophical schools.