The seriousness of this step indicates that the “sin ” was not a small disagreement. Rather, it was (1) a sin that could be settled between the individuals concerned but it was also (2) a sin serious enough to merit disfellowshipping if not settled.
Yesus berkata bahwa jika orang yang berdosa itu tidak mau bertobat setelah saudaranya, para saksi, dan para penatua berbicara dengannya, dia harus diperlakukan ” sama seperti orang dari bangsa - bangsa dan seperti seorang pemungut pajak ”.