Matthew 18:15
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.
Cross-references
In Matthew 18:35, the same context concludes with a warning about unforgiveness — the consequence if we don't forgive as instructed in verse 15.
In Matthew 18:21, Peter asks about forgiveness limits — directly continues the theme of restoring a repentant brother after confrontation.
In Matthew 5:24, Jesus prioritizes reconciliation before worship — same urgency to initiate restoration with a brother.
Colossians 3:13 calls for bearing with and forgiving one another's complaints — the same forgiving spirit that Matthew 18:15 aims to preserve.
Luke 17:4 extends the principle to repeated forgiveness — mirroring the merciful spirit required after the confrontation in Matthew 18:15.
Luke 17:3 repeats nearly verbatim: 'If your brother sins against you, rebuke him' — the same instruction to confront and forgive.
In Proverbs 25:9, the wisdom of arguing your case with your neighbor alone — directly parallels the 'between you and him alone' in private rebuke.
In Leviticus 19:17, the same command to reason frankly with a neighbor rather than hate him in your heart — the OT foundation for private confrontation.
In James 5:19, bringing back a wanderer from the truth — directly parallels the restoration of a sinning brother in private.
In James 5:20, saving a soul from death and covering sins — the promised result of restoring a brother, echoing 'you have gained your brother'.
In 2 Samuel 13:22, Absalom avoids confronting Amnon about his sin, nursing hatred instead — directly opposing Jesus' command.
In 2 Thessalonians 3:15, Paul says warn the disorderly as a brother — directly echoes the loving private correction in Matthew 18:15.
Proverbs 27:5 praises open rebuke as better than hidden love, directly supporting the principle of private confrontation.
In Titus 3:10, Paul outlines warnings for a divisive person leading to separation — a parallel process to Matthew 18's discipline steps.
In 1 Peter 3:1, wives win their husbands 'without a word' by conduct — contrasts with Matthew 18:15's direct verbal confrontation to gain a brother.
In 1 Corinthians 6:6-8, Paul rebukes believers for suing one another — failing to resolve disputes within the church as Matthew 18:15 instructs.
In Genesis 9:22, Ham publicizes his father's shame instead of confronting him privately, contrasting Jesus' instruction.
In 1 Corinthians 6:1, Paul discourages taking disputes to unbelievers — parallel principle of handling conflicts within the church.
In Psalm 141:5, receiving a rebuke is described as a kindness and oil for the head — showing the positive value of being confronted privately.
In Ezekiel 3:20, the watchman is accountable if he fails to warn the righteous who turns to sin — similar responsibility to confront a brother.
1 Corinthians 8:12 shows that sinning against a brother is also sinning against Christ — deepening the seriousness of the offense addressed in Matthew 18:15.
2 Corinthians 7:12 explains Paul's letter about a wrongdoer — showing the pastoral heart behind confronting sin, similar to the goal of restoration in Matthew 18:15.
In Judges 20:12, Israel sends messengers to confront Benjamin about the Gibeah atrocity before acting, similar to private reproof.
In 1 Timothy 5:1, Paul advises gentle exhortation for older men — analogous to Matthew 18's respectful confrontation.
In Joshua 22:13, the Israelites send leaders to confront the eastern tribes about a perceived sin, similar to going to a brother privately.
Leviticus 6:2-7 provides the OT legal framework for restitution when one sins against a neighbor — a background for the church discipline process here.
Exodus 22:9 mandates bringing disputes before judges for judgment, whereas Jesus teaches private confrontation first.
In Genesis 21:25, Abraham confronts Abimelech about a stolen well, mirroring the pattern of private reproof for a wrong.