---
title: Matthew 18:1
url: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/matthew-18-1/
markdown: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/matthew-18-1.md
type: verse
perspective: Protestant (historic Nicene) response to Jehovah's Witness teaching
reference: Matthew 18:1
testament: NT
section: Gospels
index: https://jw-apologetics.app/llms.txt
---

# Matthew 18:1

## Text (Berean Standard Bible)

> At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

## NWT Wording of the Key Phrase

- NWT (2013 revision): "In that hour the disciples came near to Jesus and said: 'Who really is greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens?'"

## JW Usage

Matthew 18:1 receives little JW commentary; it is treated as the narrative setup for the disciples' question about greatness in the Kingdom, with Jesus's reply (vv. 2-5) emphasising childlike humility. JW publications use the passage devotionally rather than apologetically; the question of structural authority within the church is handled elsewhere via Acts 15.

## Protestant Usage

Matthew 18 is one of the New Testament's clearest pictures of how disputes are actually meant to be handled in the church — and the picture is decentralised, local, and Scripture-anchored. Pair Matthew 18:1 with vv. 15-20 (the pattern for handling sin in the church: one-on-one first, then with witnesses, then before the assembly), and with Galatians 2:11 (Paul rebuking Peter publicly even after the Acts 15 council). The New Testament's actual model of authority is local elders accountable to their congregations, mutual correction even between apostles, and ultimate appeal to Scripture. The Watchtower's "Acts 15 as template for a perpetual Governing Body" reading makes Acts 15 do work the rest of the New Testament refuses.

## Arguments Using This Verse

- [Acts 15 — A One-Time Council, Not a Standing Body](https://jw-apologetics.app/arguments/acts15-one-time-not-template.md) — The Jerusalem meeting never reconvened, never legislated again, never appointed successors [Authority]