17:3 {2} Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
(2) Our reprehensions must be just and proceed from love and charity.
17:3,4 If thy brother shall trespass against thee, rebuke him. See notes on Mt 18:15-22. Observe that kind rebuke, as well as forgiveness, is a duty.
17:3 Take heed to yourselves - That ye neither offend others, nor be offended by others. Mt 18:15.
17:1-10 It is no abatement of their guilt by whom an offence comes, nor will it lessen their punishment that offences will come. Faith in God's pardoning mercy, will enable us to get over the greatest difficulties in the way of forgiving our brethren. As with God nothing is impossible, so all things are possible to him that can believe. Our Lord showed his disciples their need of deep humility. The Lord has such a property in every creature, as no man can have in another; he cannot be in debt to them for their services, nor do they deserve any return from him.
