Disfellowshipping & Shunning
The verses they cite — read them in context.
1 Corinthians 5:11
"Not to associate... not even to eat with such a one."
2 John 10
"Do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting."
Matthew 18:17
"Let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
Reading these passages in context, is the goal of any discipline restoration and love — or permanent cutting off?
Debate doesn’t change minds. If you find yourself arguing, pivot to telling your story of how Jesus changed you, saved you, and protected you.
Disfellowshipping & Shunning
Does the Bible require cutting off family who leave or disagree?
The Bible’s church discipline aims at restoration and reconciliation, not permanent shunning. When someone repents, Paul commands the church to "forgive and comfort... and reaffirm your love" (2 Corinthians 2:7-8). Jesus’ picture of the returning sinner is a father running to embrace him (Luke 15:20). Scripture also insists on caring for one’s own family (1 Timothy 5:8).
Verses Jehovah’s Witnesses cite
- 1 Corinthians 5:11: "Not to associate... not even to eat with such a one."
- 2 John 10: "Do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting."
- Matthew 18:17: "Let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
Biblical response verses
- 2 Corinthians 2:6-8: After discipline: "forgive and comfort him... reaffirm your love for him."
- Luke 15:20: The father runs to embrace the returning son — no shunning.
- Galatians 6:1: "Restore him in a spirit of gentleness."
- 1 Timothy 5:8: "If anyone does not provide for... his household, he has denied the faith."
Question to ask
Reading these passages in context, is the goal of any discipline restoration and love — or permanent cutting off?
If the aim of church discipline is always restoration and reaffirmed love, what place does permanent shunning of family have?