One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
Ver. 15. One witness shall not rise up.] Yet, if this one be a faithful witness, Mαρτυς δε πιστος, και εις χρησιμος, saith Aristotle; a one faithful witness in some case may suffice, in private offences howsoever: and that our Saviour speaketh of such, Mat 18:19 Basil and others are of opinion; if thy brother, a Jew, shall trespass against thee, being a Jew, right thyself by degrees. (1.) Deal with him fraternally, "tell him his fault betwixt thee and him alone"; Mat 18:15 (2.) Deal with him legally, "take with thee one or two more"; Deu 19:15 (3.) Deal with him Jewishly; "tell the Church," Deu 19:17 complain to the Sanhedrim; (4.) If he shall neglect to hear them, deal with him heathenishly, i.e., " let him be unto thee as a heathen and a publican"; make benefit of Roman sovereignty, let Caesar's justice end the difference between you. b
a Arist., Rhetor., lib. ii.
b Mr Lightfoot's Harmony, p. 143.