This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ESVUK

For Paul, in the matter of church discipline, there had to be procedural correctness. This verse takes us back to Deuteronomy 19:15 (see also Matthew 18:16). Paul would not entertain an accusation brought by only one person. Also, as Tom Wright points out, a ‘witness’ is not someone who merely repeats someone else’s accusation. This person must have seen something with their own eyes, or heard it with their own ears. Otherwise it falls into the categories of slander and gossip. Furthermore, the witnesses must be in agreement. We must ensure that everything be done ”with decency and in order”. It is possible that false witnesses can arise within a local church, and injustice will dishonour our just and holy God.