The second point is that after the errant individual has been made aware of the problem and has refused to
resolve it, he must be approached again; but this time with one or two others who are also aware of the
problem.
The Greek word 'martus', which is translated as 'witness' in verse 16, means 'being a witness to facts'. This
word also occurs in Mark 14:63 where the high priest finds no need of any more witnesses after Y‘shua‘s
confession. The usage of the word 'martus' in verse 16 clearly shows that these two or three witnesses must
have first-hand knowledge of the sin that has been committed. See also Acts 16:13; 7:58, Heb 10:28 where
the demand for more than one witness is cited.
The Witnesses Under the First Covenant
Because of the seriousness of the second and third steps in the process of problem resolution, it is extremely
important to clearly understand the need for the witnesses from the perspective of the first covenant with
national Israel:
(6) ―At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death;
but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
(7) The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all
the people. So you shall put the evil away from among you". (Deut 17:6-7)
"Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness
shall not testify against any person to cause him to die". (Num 35:30)
―"One witness shall not rise up against a man for any lawlessness, or for any sin, in any sin which he sins. At
the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, a thing shall be established". (Deut 19:15)
―It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true." (John 8:17)
There are two primary reasons for taking along witnesses when trying to resolve interpersonal problems. The
first reason is to confirm to the accused that the problem exists and to convince him that it needs to be
resolved. The second reason is to establish the fact that the brother has been given a second opportunity to
understand the seriousness of his sinful attitude and behaviour and a second opportunity to resolve the
problem.
The witnesses have a tremendous responsibility to make sure that what they say during the meeting is the
truth because they literally hold the person's life in their hands; and they must follow through with the third
step in the problem resolution process if the sinning individual will not hear them.
Perjury
(16) ―If a false witness rise up against any man to testify falsely against him;
(17) Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the Lord, before the
priests, and the judges, which shall be in those days.
(18) And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness is a false witness, and has
testified falsely against his brother;
(19) Then you shall do to him, as he had thought to have done to his brother: so shall you put the evil
away from among you.
(20) And those who remain, shall hear, and fear, and shall from that time commit no more evil among
you" (Deut 19:16-20 Para.)
Under Israel's first covenant with YHWH, when a false witness was discovered, he had to be given the same
punishment that the accused would have been given if he was convicted. YHWH knows the heart, so any
witness had better be truthful; because when a witness lies, they lie to the elect and to YHWH. In the case of
Ananias and Sapphria, a lie brought about their deaths at the command of the apostle Peter (Acts 5:1-11).
It is important that you and the witness(es) do not speak of the matter publicly, but go to the individual
privately and inform him of the seriousness of the problem and the fact that it needs to be resolved.
If the errant individual will not listen to reason and resolve the problem after you and the witness(es) have
gone to him, you and the witness(es) are obligated to proceed with the third step in the problem resolution
process:
―And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church: but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be to
you as an heathen man and a publican". (Matt 18:17)