If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Paul must take he first step and go to Peter if he expects any kind of resolution. If Peter listens and agrees to change, the problem is solved. Otherwise, they will proceed to the next step.

A great many problems are solved by communication. If Peter listens to Paul, but then shows Paul how his complaint was wrong, then the problem is over. Otherwise, they will go on to the next step

The prospect of other people becoming involved in a disagreement often causes people to think again about whether they are right or not.

But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'

Hopefully, the "others" will see the truth of the issue and be able to convince Peter to change. If Peter does not listen, or if the "others" cannot see that Paul is right, even though they should, then they will go to the next step.

Since Paul chose the "others", it is more likely that they will agree with him. But if they are believers, they should hear both sides and try to be just. If Peter can show the "others" that he is right, the disagreement will be ended.

The possibility of an entire congregation becoming involved and the embarrassment of many seeing one's mistakes makes everyone think.

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

This is the third time that Peter has been shown his fault. If he finally understands it, he can confess it to the congregation, be forgiven and continue in peace. If he still disagrees, he will have to leave the congregation and will hopefully not cause trouble any more. If necessary, Paul can treat him like an unbeliever and take him to a civil court.

Hopefully, the congregation will be able to see that Peter is right. They might also decide that the issue is not worth dividing over and advise both Paul and Peter to let it rest. If they erroneously decide that Peter must either give in to Paul's demands or leave, then, even though it is unjust, it may be best that Peter does leave this group that so poorly judged him.

Even if this process is misused by unrighteous people, a person who goes through with it all can feel confident that he has done what God has commanded and that God will reward him for his works.