In matters of discipline the whole Church is empowered to exercise it (Mt 18:17;  1Cor 5:4; 2Cor 2:6-7; 2Th 3:14-15). However, the elders give instructions as to what should be done (1Tim 5:20). Final authority, under Christ, is vested in this group of elders (the presbytery) in the local Church for governing it.