Matthew 18:20 Meaning of Where Two or More Are Gathered

Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Explanation and Commentary of Matthew 18:20

First of all, this is one key text that proves the divinity of Jesus Christ, who, along with the Father, is omnipresent by his Spirit, particularly when his church is gathered in his name. This is a highly encouraging passage and was likely a key encouragement for the disciples after the ascension of Christ into heaven. To ensure the Spirit of Jesus in their midst, they had only to gather in his name.

Not only does this highlight the value of communion with Christ, but it also encourages us to meet together to pray (2 Chron 7:14). The church cannot function apart from abiding in Christ, and he has made a way for his presence to be more assured than if he had stayed in bodily form, but human and limited to one place at one time. It is a powerful truth that Jesus reveals in this statement.

But it is not enough to simply gather. We must gather in his name. That is where Jesus will manifest by his Spirit. That we don’t do more of this reveals the weakness of our faith. Seek to gather with other brothers and sisters in the name of Jesus, and experience more and more of his presence and the blessing that comes along with it.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 18:20

#1 “For…”
This refers back to the previous statement about prayers answered by Jesus and our Father when two or more gather in his name.

#2 “…where two or three gather in my name,”
One person alone does not make a church. But two gathered in the name of Jesus can. Three is even better. God calls us to be a community. There are many biblical commands concerning “one another” because God did not mean for us to be alone. To be able to gather with other like-minded Christians is a great blessing and should not be taken for granted. To gather “in [his] name” is to gather together because we belong to him and he has commanded it. When we gather in his name, we are more likely to pray in his name, increasing the likelihood that our prayers will be effective.

#3 “there I am with them.”
This is a promise to be received by faith. We must seek to grow in this faith as we mature, keeping this great truth in the forefront of our minds, that we could be encouraged to pray together for Jesus to accomplish his purposes and return soon.

Bible Study on Matthew 18:20

Expert Overview of Matthew Ch. 14-28

Biblical Translations of Matthew 18:20

NIV
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

NLT
“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

ESV
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

KJV
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

NKJV
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”