Does Matthew 18:15-20 Refer To Prayer For Physical Healing?

Does Matthew 18:15-20 Refer To Prayer For Physical Healing?

Dear Bro. John:
A speaker on a television ministry cited Matt.18:15-20 when teaching that the church should lay their hands on those who are sick and pray for a miracle. He quoted the verse about "as touching anything" and said that all should place their hands on the afflicted portion of the body and join in prayer. Is this the correct use of this verse? Does the Bible mention group prayers?
-Charles

Dear Charles:
Matthew 18:15-18 speaks of conflicts between individuals. "If they brother sin against thee." When the offending brother is so stubborn that the matter must be taken to the whole church, then Christ says the action of the church is bound in heaven (vs. 18). The next verse on prayer seems to be related to the matter of dealing with the offending brother. Those who are trying to help resolve the problem should ask for God's help and it will be given. "...if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father..." (vs. 19).

The passage is discussing the resolution of conflicts between brethren. The prayer mentioned is for God's guidance in accomplishing that. It has no connection with praying for physical ailments. Those denominational preachers who believe and teach "supernatural faith healing" are masters at twisting and misapplying verses to justify their ideas.

The expression, "if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father, has not the remotest reference to touching the part of ones body that needs to be healed. First it is not speaking of physical healing. Second "as touching anything" is an English idiom that is more clearly rendered in other translations: "if two of you on earth agree about anything..." (New International Version and many other translations).

As a general rule, the speakers on most of the television ministries are denominational teachers with an agenda to promote and are not a reliable source of Biblical information. Many of them, like Pat Robertson, are associated with the Assemblies of God and other Pentecostal groups.

As to the question about group prayer, yes, there are examples in the Bible where the church gathered to pray (Acts 12:12; Acts 13:3). Matthew 18:15-18 is speaking of an action of the entire congregation and no doubt they would include prayer in their efforts to reconcile the two brothers who are estranged. Many congregations have gatherings where they have periods of extended prayer when many of the brother take turns in leading them. We call them prayer meetings.

Sincerely,

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