Two or three does not mean only two or three people (no more and no less!) but means “two or more people.” Of course, if the literal translation is natural and correctly understood, then it can be retained.

The Greek verb translated are gathered (Good News Translation “come together”) may be used with a number of different meanings. However, the context suggests that the meaning is either “come together to pray” or “come together as reconciled brothers” (see verse 16 in particular).

For the most part translators are consistent in rendering literally the phrase in my name. One exception is An American Translation, which translates “as my followers,” reflecting well the contextual setting. Are gathered in my name may then be translated “come together as my followers.” It is possible also to translate either “come together to pray as my followers” or “are reconciled because they are my followers.”

There am I in the midst of them addresses the disciples from the perspective of the risen Lord rather than from that of the earthly Jesus. This frequent and unmarked shift in perspective is a unique feature of the Gospels, and it tends to make translation difficult. Good News Translation: (“I am there with them”) is a useful model. Other examples are “I am there with them also” and “I am present with them too.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .