Project – An Exegetical Study of Forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35 and Its Relevance to Conflict Resolution in Nigerian Churches: A Case Study of Selected Anglican Churches in Nasarawa State.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Forgiveness is a fundamental theme in Christian theology and an important principle for maintaining peaceful relationships within the Christian community. The Christian understanding of forgiveness is rooted in the character of God, the ministry of Jesus Christ, and the expectation that believers should extend mercy to others as recipients of divine grace. In the New Testament, forgiveness is closely connected with repentance, reconciliation, love, mercy, and the restoration of broken relationships. Jesus taught His followers to pray for the forgiveness of their sins as they forgive those who sin against them (Matthew 6:12), thereby establishing forgiveness as an essential dimension of Christian discipleship. This teaching indicates that the Christian faith is not merely concerned with personal salvation but also with the quality of relationships among believers. Stott (2006) explains that Christian discipleship involves practical obedience to the teachings of Jesus, including the demonstration of love, mercy, and reconciliation in everyday relationships. Therefore, forgiveness provides an important theological foundation for addressing disagreements and restoring relationships within the church.

The Gospel according to Matthew presents forgiveness as an essential requirement for life within the community of Jesus’ disciples. Matthew 18 is particularly significant because it addresses relationships, humility, care for vulnerable members, the correction of wrongdoing, and the restoration of fellowship. Verses 15–20 discuss procedures for addressing a fellow believer’s wrongdoing, while verses 21–35 extend the discussion to the responsibility of forgiving repeatedly. This literary arrangement suggests that forgiveness should not be separated from accountability and the responsible management of conflict within the Christian community. Davies and Allison (1991), in their critical commentary on Matthew, explain the importance of understanding individual passages within the wider literary and theological structure of the Gospel. Similarly, France (2007) interprets Matthew 18 as an important discourse concerning relationships and conduct within the community of disciples. Consequently, Matthew 18:21–35 must be examined in relation to the surrounding discussion of church discipline, reconciliation, mercy, and the responsibilities believers have toward one another.

The immediate context of Matthew 18:21–35 begins with Peter asking Jesus how often he should forgive a brother who sins against him. Peter proposes forgiving the offender seven times, apparently presenting what he considers a generous limit. Jesus responds by instructing him to forgive not merely seven times but seventy-seven times, or seventy times seven, depending on the Bible translation. The expression communicates forgiveness beyond a rigid numerical limit rather than prescribing a calculation of the number of offences a Christian must tolerate. Jesus then introduces the parable of the unforgiving servant to illustrate the inconsistency of receiving mercy while refusing to show mercy to another person. The servant whose enormous debt is cancelled later refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. France (2007) explains the significance of Jesus’ response within the Matthean account, while the discussion by Carroll (2023) highlights the relationship between mercy, accountability, and life in the community of disciples. This passage therefore provides a central biblical text for examining the relationship between forgiveness and the restoration of Christian relationships (France, 2007; Carroll, 2023).

Forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35 is further developed through the parable of the unforgiving servant, which contrasts the king’s compassion with the servant’s unwillingness to extend compassion to a fellow servant. The enormous debt owed to the king and the comparatively small debt owed by the second servant create a deliberate contrast that exposes the inconsistency of receiving mercy without practising it. The parable’s central challenge is that forgiveness received should shape the way forgiveness is extended to others. Blomberg (2012) explains that parables communicate theological truths through familiar situations, contrasts, and unexpected actions that challenge their hearers to reconsider their attitudes and behaviour. In Matthew’s account, the servant’s refusal to forgive demonstrates a failure to understand the significance of the mercy he has received. The passage consequently presents forgiveness as a moral and spiritual responsibility, not merely an optional gesture of goodwill. It challenges Christian communities to examine whether their conduct reflects the mercy they profess to have received from God (Blomberg, 2012; France, 2007).

The interpretation of forgiveness must also consider its relationship with justice, accountability, and the proper handling of wrongdoing. Christian forgiveness should not be interpreted as denying that an offence occurred, concealing misconduct, or preventing appropriate disciplinary action. The wider context of Matthew 18:15–20 outlines a process for confronting wrongdoing, seeking correction, and addressing persistent refusal to listen. This means that forgiveness and accountability can operate together within a church community. Forgiveness seeks to overcome vengeance and resentment, while accountability recognises the need to address harmful behaviour and protect the community. Carroll (2023) draws attention to the interplay between mercy and accountability in Matthew 18:21–35 and notes that forgiveness may be difficult and gradual, particularly where serious harm has occurred. Similarly, Lederach (1997) presents conflict transformation as a process that addresses relationships, social structures, and the conditions that sustain conflict. These perspectives suggest that applying Matthew 18:21–35 to church conflict requires both a commitment to mercy and a responsible approach to resolving the underlying causes of disagreement.

Conflict is an ordinary feature of human relationships because individuals and groups may differ in their interests, expectations, interpretations, communication styles, and perceptions of fairness. Within religious organisations, disagreements may arise over leadership decisions, the interpretation of church rules, financial administration, appointments, ministry responsibilities, interpersonal relationships, and the exercise of authority. Such disagreements do not necessarily lead to lasting division; their consequences depend partly on how the parties communicate, respond to grievances, and pursue resolution. When conflicts are ignored, handled through intimidation, or prolonged by resentment, they may weaken trust, cooperation, worship, and collective ministry. Jeong (2008) explains that conflict analysis and resolution require attention to the parties involved, the issues in dispute, the surrounding relationships, and the processes through which disputes can be addressed. In Christian communities, these considerations can be informed by biblical teachings on humility, truthfulness, mercy, reconciliation, and mutual responsibility. Matthew 18:21–35 therefore offers a theological basis for examining the attitudes that may either obstruct or support peaceful conflict resolution within churches (Jeong, 2008; Lederach, 1997).

The relevance of forgiveness to Nigerian churches is particularly important because churches bring together people from different social backgrounds, communities, generations, and leadership experiences. Anglican congregations, like other Christian communities, depend on cooperation among clergy, church officers, ministry leaders, and members to sustain worship, pastoral care, evangelism, and community service. Disagreements may occur in these relationships, and the manner in which they are managed can affect congregational unity and participation. Nevertheless, forgiveness should not be treated as a substitute for fair procedures, protection from abuse, or the proper investigation of allegations. Instead, its application should encourage a willingness to abandon revenge, acknowledge wrongdoing, seek appropriate correction, and rebuild relationships where this is safe and possible. Lederach (1997) emphasises that sustainable peace requires more than ending an immediate dispute; it involves transforming relationships and the conditions that perpetuate conflict. Accordingly, an exegetical study of Matthew 18:21–35 can help clarify the biblical principles that may inform conflict resolution among members and leaders of selected Anglican churches in Nasarawa State.

This study therefore focuses on the meaning of forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35 and its relevance to conflict resolution in selected Anglican churches in Nasarawa State. The exegetical component will examine the passage within its literary and theological context, paying attention to Peter’s question, Jesus’ response, the debts in the parable, the conduct of the two servants, the king’s response, and the concluding warning. The practical component will consider how the passage’s teachings on repeated forgiveness, mercy, accountability, and the rejection of vindictiveness may inform the handling of church disagreements. The study does not assume that every church conflict is caused by an unwillingness to forgive, nor that forgiveness alone resolves every dispute. Rather, it seeks to establish a responsible connection between the meaning of the biblical text and its potential application to the experiences and conflict-management practices of the selected congregations. This approach follows the principle that biblical interpretation should attend to the text’s historical and literary context before drawing conclusions about contemporary Christian life (Davies & Allison, 1991; France, 2007; Blomberg, 2012).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Conflict can arise within church communities despite their shared faith, worship, and commitment to Christian fellowship. Disagreements concerning leadership, ministry responsibilities, church administration, interpersonal relationships, and decisions affecting congregational life may create tension among members and church leaders. When such disagreements are handled poorly, they can damage trust, reduce cooperation, and weaken the unity required for effective ministry. Although the New Testament emphasises love, humility, peace, and forgiveness, the presence of these teachings does not automatically guarantee that church members will apply them consistently when they experience personal offence or disagreement. Jeong (2008) observes that conflict resolution requires a clear understanding of the issues and relationships involved, while Lederach (1997) stresses the importance of addressing the relational conditions that sustain disputes. The problem, therefore, is how the Christian principle of forgiveness can be properly understood and applied without neglecting the need to address wrongdoing and its consequences.

Matthew 18:21–35 provides a direct theological challenge to the refusal to forgive, particularly through Jesus’ response to Peter and the parable of the unforgiving servant. The passage teaches that forgiveness should not be restricted by a fixed numerical limit and that the mercy received from God should influence the treatment of others. However, the passage can be misunderstood if it is reduced to a general instruction to overlook every offence, regardless of its seriousness or the need for accountability. Its relationship with the preceding discussion of confronting wrongdoing in Matthew 18:15–20 indicates that forgiveness belongs within a wider framework of responsible Christian relationships. France (2007) and Blomberg (2012) demonstrate the importance of interpreting biblical teachings and parables in their literary and theological contexts. There is therefore a need for careful exegesis to clarify what Matthew 18:21–35 teaches about forgiveness and how its principles can be applied appropriately to conflicts within church communities.

A further problem concerns the relationship between biblical teaching and the actual practices used to manage disputes in congregations. The existence of sermons and teachings about forgiveness does not establish whether church members and leaders understand forgiveness in the same way or whether it influences their responses to conflict. Some individuals may equate forgiveness with immediate restoration of trust, while others may believe that forgiving an offender requires remaining silent about wrongdoing. Such interpretations can complicate conflict management, especially where the parties disagree about responsibility, repentance, reconciliation, or appropriate disciplinary measures. Carroll (2023) highlights the difficulty of forgiveness in situations involving deep injury and the importance of considering the relationship between mercy and accountability. This makes it necessary to examine the theological meaning of forgiveness alongside the practical ways in which church communities understand and approach disputes.

The specific problem addressed by this study is the need to establish how the teaching on forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35 can inform conflict resolution in selected Anglican churches in Nasarawa State. Without careful interpretation of the passage and an examination of its contemporary relevance, the application of forgiveness may remain general or may be separated from the principles of accountability, repentance, and the restoration of relationships. The study will therefore investigate the passage exegetically, identify its major theological teachings on forgiveness, examine the conflict-resolution practices of the selected Anglican churches, and assess how the biblical principles may inform those practices. It will not assume in advance that forgiveness is absent from the churches or that every conflict can be resolved through forgiveness alone. Instead, it will seek to provide a sound biblical and practical basis for understanding the contribution forgiveness may make to responsible conflict resolution within the selected congregations (France, 2007; Lederach, 1997).

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to undertake an exegetical examination of forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35 and assess its relevance to conflict resolution in selected Anglican churches in Nasarawa State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the historical, literary, and theological context of Matthew 18:21–35.

2. Interpret the meaning and significance of forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35, particularly the teaching on repeated forgiveness and the parable of the unforgiving servant.

3. Examine the nature of conflicts and the conflict-resolution practices in selected Anglican churches in Nasarawa State.

4. Assess the relevance of the biblical principles of forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35 to conflict resolution in the selected Anglican churches.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following research questions:

1. What are the historical, literary, and theological contexts of Matthew 18:21–35?

2. What is the meaning and significance of forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35, particularly the teaching on repeated forgiveness and the parable of the unforgiving servant?

3. What are the nature of conflicts and the conflict-resolution practices in selected Anglican churches in Nasarawa State?

4. How are the biblical principles of forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35 relevant to conflict resolution in the selected Anglican churches?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will guide the empirical component of the study and may be tested at the 0.05 level of significance if the research design includes suitable quantitative data.

H₀: There is no statistically significant relationship between the application of forgiveness principles from Matthew 18:21–35 and perceived effectiveness of conflict resolution in selected Anglican churches in Nasarawa State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study is expected to be significant to the following groups.

Anglican clergy and church leaders: The study may provide a biblical basis for understanding forgiveness and its relationship with conflict management, pastoral counselling, church discipline, and the restoration of relationships. It may help leaders distinguish between forgiving an offence and ignoring the need to address wrongdoing.

Church members: The study may encourage members to reflect on their attitudes toward forgiveness, resentment, reconciliation, and Christian fellowship. It may also promote more constructive approaches to resolving disagreements and rebuilding trust where appropriate.

Theological students and biblical scholars: The study may contribute to the interpretation of Matthew 18:21–35 by examining its literary context, theological message, and contemporary application. It may also serve as a reference for students undertaking research on forgiveness, biblical ethics, and Christian conflict resolution.

Church administrators and diocesan authorities: The findings may help inform policies and pastoral procedures for managing disputes within congregations. They may also encourage the integration of biblical principles with fair procedures for accountability and reconciliation.

Christian counsellors and mediators: The study may offer theological insights that can support counselling and mediation in church settings, particularly when dealing with interpersonal grievances, broken relationships, and disagreements among church members.

Future researchers: The study may provide a foundation for further investigations into forgiveness, reconciliation, church unity, and conflict resolution in Anglican and other Christian denominations in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the exegesis of Matthew 18:21–35 and the relevance of its teaching on forgiveness to conflict resolution in selected Anglican churches in Nasarawa State.

The thematic scope covers the literary and theological context of the passage, Peter’s question concerning repeated forgiveness, Jesus’ response, the parable of the unforgiving servant, the contrast between the debts, the king’s mercy, and the consequences of refusing to forgive.

The geographical scope is limited to selected Anglican churches in Nasarawa State. The specific churches will be identified by the researcher according to the study’s sampling criteria and the availability of relevant respondents.

The practical scope covers the nature of conflicts experienced within the selected churches, the approaches used to manage such conflicts, and the perceived relevance of forgiveness to resolving disagreements and restoring relationships.

The study will distinguish biblical interpretation from empirical investigation. The exegetical analysis will focus on the meaning of the passage, while information gathered from the selected churches will be used to assess its contemporary relevance. The findings will not automatically be generalised to every Anglican church in Nasarawa State or Nigeria.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study may encounter limitations related to access to church records, the willingness of respondents to discuss sensitive disagreements, and the possibility that participants may provide socially desirable answers about forgiveness and reconciliation. Some respondents may also interpret forgiveness differently depending on their theological understanding, personal experiences, and the nature of the conflicts they have encountered.

Another limitation may arise from the diversity of conflicts within church communities. Disagreements over routine administration may require different approaches from cases involving serious misconduct, abuse, or safeguarding concerns. Therefore, the study will not assume that forgiveness alone is sufficient to resolve every conflict.

The geographical focus on selected Anglican churches in Nasarawa State may also limit the generalisation of findings to other dioceses, denominations, or regions. These limitations may be reduced by using clear research instruments, protecting respondents’ confidentiality, selecting participants relevant to the research objectives, and interpreting the findings in relation to the study’s scope. The exegetical analysis will also be grounded in the literary and theological context of Matthew 18:21–35 rather than relying solely on contemporary assumptions.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

Exegesis: The systematic interpretation of a biblical text in order to establish its meaning by examining its literary, historical, linguistic, and theological context.

Forgiveness: The decision to relinquish personal vengeance and resentment toward an offender, in a manner consistent with Christian teaching, while recognising that accountability and appropriate boundaries may still be necessary.

Matthew 18:21–35: The biblical passage in which Peter asks Jesus how often he should forgive a fellow believer and Jesus responds with a teaching on repeated forgiveness, followed by the parable of the unforgiving servant.

Parable of the unforgiving servant: The story told by Jesus in Matthew 18:23–35 about a servant who receives cancellation of a substantial debt but refuses to forgive a fellow servant’s much smaller debt.

Conflict: A disagreement or dispute between individuals or groups arising from differences in interests, expectations, decisions, interpretations, relationships, or perceived wrongdoing.

Conflict resolution: Processes through which parties address disagreements, manage their differences, and seek an acceptable settlement or restoration of relationships.

Reconciliation: The process of restoring a damaged relationship through appropriate communication, acknowledgement of wrongdoing, forgiveness where possible, and rebuilding trust.

Anglican churches: Congregations belonging to the Anglican Church within the relevant ecclesiastical structure in Nasarawa State and selected for this study.

Relevance: The extent to which the biblical principles identified through exegesis can inform the understanding and practice of conflict resolution in the selected churches.

Project – An Exegetical Study of Forgiveness in Matthew 18:21–35 and Its Relevance to Conflict Resolution in Nigerian Churches: A Case Study of Selected Anglican Churches in Nasarawa State.