he gives them instructions about how to deal with offenses. Stuart Murray points out clues to the functioning of pre-Pentecost kingdom communities from Matthew 18:15–20: “[Jesus] describes a community which is serious about discipleship; a community characterized by open and loving relationship; a community that recognizes it is comprised of imperfect people and develops a style of life that remains faithful to the highest standards but realistic about failure; a community that balances individual
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