Douay-Rheims Bible: Matthew — Introduction, Chapter Summaries and Notes by Richard Challoner
Chapter 18
SummaryChrist teaches humility, to beware of scandal, and to flee the occasions of sin: to denounce to the church incorrigible sinners, and to look upon such as refuse to hear the church as heathens. He promises to his disciples the power of binding and loosing: and that he will be in the midst of their assemblies. No forgiveness for them that will not forgive.
[18:6] Shall scandalize. . .That is, shall put a stumblingblock in their way, and cause them to fall into sin.
[18:7] It must needs be, etc. . . Viz., considering the wickedness and corruption of the world.
[18:8] Scandalize thee. . .That is, cause thee to offend.
[18:20] There am I in the midst of them. . . This is understood of such assemblies only as are gathered in the name and authority of Christ; and in unity of the church of Christ. St. Cyprian, De Unitate Ecclesiae.
[18:24] Talents. . .A talent was seven hundred and fifty ounces of silver, which at the rate of five shillings to the ounce is a hundred and eighty-seven pounds ten shillings sterling.
[18:28] Pence. . . The Roman penny was the eighth part of an ounce, that is, about sevenpence half-penny English.