the 'church' referred to is the body of born again believers
This is the Protestant spin; it clearly is not in the context of Matthew 18 because the body of believers is referenced separately in the preceding verse.
That's true...Because it's the Bible spin as well...
it clearly is not in the context of Matthew 18 because the body of believers is referenced separately in the preceding verse.
You are in err again...
Mat 18:16 And if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more: that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand.
You'll notice that the 'offended' takes two or three members of the body of believers, the church with him...
In the next verse, the 'offended' brings the unresolved matter to the entire church body...
Mat 18:17 And if he will not hear them: tell the church. And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican.