Critics argue that Matthew 18:15 represents a late theological and community development. It is hard to see why this should be considered a late development. Matthew 18:15 is much the same idea as is found in Leviticus 19:17:

> Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.

Moreover, it seems difficult to argue that the idea of peaceful, internecine reconciliation of this sort could not have been envisioned by a great moral teacher like Jesus for use by his own disciples.