The word of God has been provided to man by God to offer "doctrine," "reproof," "correction," and "instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). Alas, it is regrettable that some "twist" these very scriptures to their own destruction and often to the spiritual harm of those whom they influence (2 Pet. 3: 16). Matthew 18: 15-17 continues to be perverted by teachers of error in an apparent effort to deflect and remove the spotlight from them and refocus it on others (those exposing their false teaching), claiming that the passage forbids any public exposure. Many of them further state that not only must one come to them privately, but if he and they are not members of the same local church, there can be no exposure or challenge at all. Jesus taught:

     As we shall shortly examine and point out, "against thee" is missing in some Greek manuscripts and texts and is, therefore, omitted in some English translations, thus providing the impetus needed for false teachers to be able to confuse people and establish their lack of public accountability. Anterior to examining the text of Matthew 18, let us notice some examples as to how false teaching and behavior were sometimes handled.

     Some Bible examples regarding the handling of public false teaching and conduct. In logic, one simple way to overthrow a proposition is by noticing facts that are incongruous to the position being taken. It is a basic and undeniable fact that certain ones obviously having the approval of God did not follow the protocol of Matthew 18: 15-17 when addressing public circumstances. Our first example involves a sin committed by Peter, which was publicly rebuked by Paul. "But when Peter was come to Antioch," wrote Paul, "I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed" (Gal. 2: 14). Peter’s behavior had taught a false lesson and since it had been public, Paul addressed it in a very public manner, "before them all" (see Gal. 2: 12-14). Paul did not first privately go to Peter, then take witnesses, etc.

     Our next example of one publicly exposing those to whom he had not privately and individually gone is that of Jesus himself. Consider his statement, the statement upon which the Sermon on the Mount is built:

     Many of the Pharisees openly taught error and perverted the word of God. Jesus very publicly exposed them and warned others not to be in