Definition: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 18:17. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about how to handle disagreements and difficult people. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that when someone consistently ignores or refuses to listen to others, you must address the situation directly and decisively. It’s a serious warning about the consequences of neglecting to hear and respect those around you. Let’s break it down word by word: "And if he shall neglect to hear them..." – This means that someone is refusing to listen or understand what others are saying. They're not engaging in respectful dialogue. "...tell [it] unto the church:" – This tells you to share this situation with a group of trusted leaders, specifically the church community. It’s about bringing it up with those who are important and have authority within your faith. "But if he neglect to hear the church..." – This is where it gets more pointed. If someone consistently ignores the guidance of the church (the leadership of the group), then you must act in a way that’s similar to a person completely disregarding the rule or teachings of others. What does "as an heathen man and a publican" mean? This is the key part – it's a strong warning about the consequences of this behavior. It means: “A heathen man”: This refers to someone who completely ignores the rules, teachings, or values of the church community. They’re not respectful, they don’t follow the norms, and they are essentially acting like they don't have any connection to the faith. "And a publican" : This is a reference to a person who lives a simple, often un-official life, maybe focusing on work and community service rather than religious observance. So, what’s the message? The verse essentially says: Don't let this kind of disregard go unchecked. If someone consistently ignores the church, you must take action – even if it means treating them as a complete outsider and not giving them any opportunity to be reconciled with the community. It’s a way of protecting the group and upholding its principles. In simpler terms: It's a call for accountability and a firm stance against ignoring or disregarding the teachings and values of those around you, especially within your faith community. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about potential abuse or manipulation. It’s not meant to be taken lightly. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give examples of how this might look in practice? Discuss the context of this passage within the broader teachings of Jesus and the early church?