Matthew 18:30

30 "But the first servant refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison. The man would be held there until he could pay back what he owed.

Matthew 18:30 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 18:30

And he would not
Have patience with him, give him time for payment, and forbear severity at present, as he requested:

but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt;
had him before a proper officer, and proved his debt, and got him sent to jail, there to lie till the whole debt was paid; which, as it discovered ill nature, severe usage, so, great ignorance and stupidity; for a prison will pay no debt: which sets forth the rigorous proceedings of some church members against their brethren, that have displeased them; who immediately bring the matter before the church, and will not be easy unless some censure is laid upon them, or they are cast out, until full satisfaction is given them, whereby oftentimes an useful member of a church is lost.

Matthew 18:30 In-Context

28 "But then that servant went out and found one of the other servants who owed him a few dollars. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he said.

29 "The other servant fell on his knees. 'Give me time,' he begged him. 'I'll pay you back.'

30 "But the first servant refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison. The man would be held there until he could pay back what he owed.

31 The other servants saw what had happened. It troubled them greatly. They went and told their master everything that had happened.

32 "Then the master called the first servant in. 'You evil servant,' he said. 'I forgave all that you owed me because you begged me to.