1 Corinthians 5:12-13
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights a crucial distinction in how we engage with the world versus the community of believers. Paul is emphasizing that our primary responsibility for discerning and addressing sin lies within the church, with those who have committed to follow Christ, not with those outside who haven't made that commitment. It's a call to focus our energy on the health and holiness of the community God has entrusted to us.
Paul is addressing a serious issue of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church, specifically a man flagrantly living with his father's wife. He's just rebuked them for tolerating this sin instead of removing the offender. This verse then highlights the principle that the church is meant to exercise spiritual discipline over its own members, not those outside their community.
We're called to be a distinct community, and that includes how we handle sin within our fellowship. But what does that really look like?
Paul is sharpening the Corinthian church's focus. They were getting bogged down trying to police the behavior of people outside the church, perhaps in a way that was more about condemnation than witness. Paul reminds them that the church has a sacred, God-given role to exercise discernment and discipline within its own community. This isn't about being judgmental or self-righteous towards outsiders, but about maintaining the purity and health of the body of Christ.
Why the Distinction?
The Bible talks about judgment, but it’s not always what we think. How do we discern between righteous discernment and ungodly condemnation?
Paul isn't advocating for a harsh, unforgiving spirit. Instead, he's calling for responsible judgment. The church is meant to be a place where sin is confronted with truth and love, aiming for restoration and the glory of God, not for personal vindication or spiritual superiority.
What 'Judging' Looks Like:
Understand the original words
krinō · Greek Verb
The act of evaluating behavior, discerning right from wrong, or passing a formal sentence. In the church, it refers to the exercise of spiritual discipline to maintain the purity and holiness of the community.
exō · Greek Adverb/Noun
Those who are not part of the Christian community of faith. Scripture acknowledges a distinct separation between those who follow Christ and the world, with God remaining the ultimate judge of those who do not believe.
exairō · Greek Verb
The act of removing a person from the fellowship of the church. This is intended for the purpose of maintaining the holiness of the body and, ideally, bringing the individual to repentance.
ponēros · Greek Adjective
Paul is writing to a church in a Roman port city, Corinth, which was notorious for its immorality and diverse population. This context highlights the challenge of maintaining Christian ethics and community standards when interacting with a world that held very different values.
c. AD 41-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches and appointing elders. This period sees the initial spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish origins.
c. AD 50-52
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal gathering where apostles and elders decide that Gentile converts do not need to follow all Mosaic Law, easing the way for wider church growth.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends significant time in Ephesus, a major cultural and commercial hub. From here, he writes 1 Corinthians, addressing various issues that have arisen in the Corinthian church.
c. AD 55
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul pens this letter from Ephesus in response to reports and a letter from the Corinthian church detailing divisions, doctrinal issues, and behavioral problems.
This passage outlines the process for dealing with sin within the community of believers, emphasizing internal accountability rather than external judgment.
1 Corinthians 6:1-6Paul directly addresses the Corinthians' tendency to take disputes to secular courts (outsiders) instead of resolving them within the church, reinforcing the idea of internal judgment.
Titus 3:10-11This verse speaks to dealing with divisive people within the church, again highlighting the focus on judging those who are part of the community, not those outside.
Romans 12:17-19While not about judgment directly, this passage encourages believers to 'live peaceably with all' and 'never avenge yourselves,' suggesting a general approach to outsiders that differs from internal church discipline.
This verse highlights a crucial distinction in how we engage with the world versus the community of believers. Paul is emphasizing that our primary responsibility for discerning and addressing sin lies within the church, with those who have committed to follow Christ, not with those outside who haven't made that commitment. It's a call to focus our energy on the health and holiness of the community God has entrusted to us.
Paul is addressing a serious issue of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church, specifically a man flagrantly living with his father's wife. He's just rebuked them for tolerating this sin instead of removing the offender. This verse then highlights the principle that the church is meant to exercise spiritual discipline over its own members, not those outside their community.
Paul is addressing a serious issue of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church, specifically a man flagrantly living with his father's wife. He's just rebuked them for tolerating this sin instead of removing the offender. This verse then highlights the principle that the church is meant to exercise spiritual discipline over its own members, not those outside their community.
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This is a heavy responsibility, undertaken with humility, prayer, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, not on our own human wisdom.
Refers to a person characterized by wickedness or moral depravity. In a communal context, it identifies someone whose persistent unrepentant sin threatens the spiritual integrity of the church.
c. AD 55-60
Reforms and Restoration Attempts
Following Paul's letter, the Corinthian church would grapple with implementing his instructions on church discipline and spiritual matters.
"For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”" — This verse highlights a crucial distinction in how we engage with the world versus the community of believers. Paul is emphasizing that our primary responsibility for discerning and addressing sin li…
