Studies 1 to 2
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PER203
Discipline in the Church and forgiveness
Pericope 203 presents Jesus’ teaching on church discipline and forgiveness, at Capernaum in September AD 32. Matthew 18.15-22 and Luke 17.3-4 develop brotherly correction, the authority of the Church, communal prayer and unlimited forgiveness (seventy times seven). These themes form the foundation of a Christian ethic of relationships centered on reconciliation and divine mercy.
Matthew 16.19 (King James Version) :And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER204
Parable of the king and the servant
The parable of the king and the servant (Mt 18.23-35), told in Capernaum in September 32, is unique to Matthew. It illustrates the vital importance of forgiveness by contrasting an immense debt of 10,000 talents cancelled by a merciful king with a small debt of 100 coins refused by the forgiven servant. The central teaching: those whom God forgives must in turn forgive, or they will lose the grace they received.
Mark 11.25 (King James Version) :And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org