1 Corinthians 5:12-13 Meaning: Judging the Church
In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the issue of sin within the church and the need for discipline among believers. In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Paul writes:
"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked person from among you.'"
The Context of 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
In this passage, Paul is responding to a situation in the Corinthian church where a man is living in sin with his father's wife (1 Corinthians 5:1-2). Paul is shocked that the church is not taking action against this sin and is instead proud of their tolerance (1 Corinthians 5:2). Paul argues that the church has the responsibility to judge those inside the church who are living in sin and to expel those who refuse to repent.
The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Paul is drawing a distinction between those inside the church and those outside. He asks rhetorically, "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?" The answer, of course, is "none." It is not the church's responsibility to judge those outside the church. God will judge those outside the church.
On the other hand, the church does have a responsibility to judge those inside the church. Paul writes, "Are you not to judge those inside?" The church is to judge its own members, not to condemn them, but to restore them to a right relationship with God (Matthew 18:15-20, Galatians 6:1-2). The goal of church discipline is to restore the sinner, not to punish them.
The final phrase, "Expel the wicked person from among you," is a quote from Deuteronomy 17:7. In the Old Testament, this phrase referred to the punishment of stoning for those who committed certain crimes. Here, Paul applies it to the church's responsibility to remove unrepentant sinners from their midst.
Applications of 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
Church Discipline
The main application of 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 is the importance of church discipline. The church has a responsibility to address sin within its own ranks and to restore sinners to a right relationship with God.
Judging Others
This passage also highlights the importance of not judging those outside the church. As believers, we are not called to judge the world, but rather to share the Gospel with them.
The Importance of Church Membership
Finally, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 emphasizes the importance of church membership. The church is a community of believers who are committed to one another and to Christ. As members of the church, we have a responsibility to hold one another accountable to a high standard of moral conduct.
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 teaches us the importance of church discipline, not judging those outside the church, and the importance of church membership. May we apply these principles to our own lives and to our churches, that we may be a light to the world and a reflection of Christ's love.
