Here is given a lesson for all Christ's followers. The gospel makes no compromise with evil. It cannot excuse sin. Secret sins are to be confessed in secret to God; but, for open sin, open confession is required. The reproach of the disciple's sin is cast upon Christ. It causes Satan to triumph, and wavering souls to stumble. By giving proof of repentance, the disciple, so far as lies in his power, is to remove this reproach.

Heri findes der en lære for alle Kristi efterfølgere. Evangeliet kan ikke gøre indrømmelser over for det onde. Det kan ikke undskylde synden. Hemmelige synder skal bekendes hemmeligt over for Gud, men når det gælder åbenlyse synder, kræves der en bekendelse af dem. Bebrejdelsen for en discipels synd rammer Kristus. Den giver Satan grund til at triumfere og forvolder, at vaklende sjæle snubler. Ved at give beviser for sin anger bør disciplen, så vidt det står i hans magt, bortskaffe denne skamplet.