What does 1 Corinthians 5:13 mean?

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1 Corinthians 5:13

Explanation

“But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” (1 Corinthians 5:13) is a directive given by the Apostle Paul to the Christian church in Corinth regarding church discipline. Paul is addressing an issue of immorality that has come to his attention and is instructing the church on how to handle such matters.

The phrase “them that are without” refers to people outside the church or non-believers, suggesting that God is the judge of those individuals. In contrast, the church has a responsibility to judge the behavior of its own members (as mentioned earlier in 1 Corinthians 5). When Paul says to “put away from among yourselves that wicked person,” he is advising the church to remove the offending member from their fellowship. This is not about eternal judgment, but about protecting the moral and spiritual integrity of the church community.

The deeper meaning of this directive focuses on accountability within the Christian community and the importance of maintaining a standard of holiness and purity, as a sinful behavior can have a corrosive effect on the congregation.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians 5:13 is placed within a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church in the first century AD. Corinth was a bustling port city known for its diversity and wealth, but also for its moral laxity. The church in Corinth faced many issues, including factionalism, theological confusion, and instances of sexual immorality.

In this particular chapter, Paul is dealing with a case of sexual immorality reported to be within the church—a man living in an inappropriate relationship with his father’s wife, his stepmother. This behavior was not only sinful in Christian terms but was also generally frowned upon by the surrounding culture.

Paul’s instruction to discipline the individual reflects the practice of the early church to maintain purity and to guide the members according to Christian ethics, which was necessary for their witness in a predominantly pagan society.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives approach this verse and its implications differently. An evangelical perspective might emphasize the need for church purity and the role of church discipline in correcting behavior and guiding members toward repentance. A more liberal theological approach might focus on the social dimensions of the text, arguing against a literal application of excommunication in modern contexts.

Some scholars might see this type of church discipline as reflective of Jewish practices at the time, where expulsion from the community was a penalty for certain offenses. In Catholic theology, this concept is somewhat related to the practice of excommunication, though with specific canonical procedures and aims of eventual reconciliation.

The Reformed tradition might view this verse as supportive of the belief that the church must guard the integrity of its sacraments and teachings, maintaining a clear distinction between the community of believers and the secular world.

Practical Applications

1 Corinthians 5:13 has a practical application for the life of the Christian community, emphasizing the significance of church discipline.

1. Church Discipline: It highlights the need for churches to establish protocols for addressing sinful behavior within the congregation. The goal is to help the individual come to repentance and restoration while ensuring that the community maintains its moral standards.

2. Accountability: The verse underscores the importance of mutual accountability within the church. Christians are called to hold one another in love to the standards set forth in Scripture.

3. Holiness: This verse challenges believers to live holy and set-apart lives, demonstrating the transformation that the gospel brings.

4. Forgiveness and Restoration: While it calls for discipline, the broader context encourages forgiveness and restoration when repentance occurs. The purpose is not punitive but redemptive.

Cross-References

• Matthew 18:15-17: “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:6: “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”
• 2 John 1:10-11: “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.”

Language Study

The Greek terms in 1 Corinthians 5:13 are illuminating:

• “Them that are without” (τοὺς ἔξω): This term refers to those who are outside the community of believers, the church.
• “God judgeth” (ὁ Θεὸς κρίνει): The term for “judge” (κρίνει) refers to God’s role as the ultimate judge over all individuals, particularly non-believers.
• “Put away” (ἐξάρατε): This verb translates as to remove or expel, indicating a decisive action taken by the church.
• “Wicked person” (τὸν πονηρὸν): The term “wicked” has connotations of moral evil and harmful behavior.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of expelling a member from the community for certain offenses echoes practices in other ancient cultures and religious traditions. For example, the Jewish community had various forms of banishment for breaches of the Law of Moses.

In contrast, Greco-Roman societies had their own mechanisms for ostracism, which was typically politically motivated, but it shares the concept of protecting the community’s integrity by removing an individual who poses a threat or causes scandal.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the principle of managing the behavior of individuals within a group can be observed in psychological and sociological studies. The concept of establishing norms and enforcing them to ensure the cohesiveness and ethical standard of a community aligns with findings in social science regarding group dynamics and behavior.

The idea of exclusion for the sake of group purity may be seen in studies related to social identity theory, where the boundaries of a group are maintained and reinforced to preserve its distinct identity.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer diverse interpretations of 1 Corinthians 5:13:

• Conservative Commentaries: They often view Paul’s instruction as a necessary, though difficult, part of maintaining church holiness. They argue that the purpose of such discipline is ultimately redemptive and protective.

• Liberal Commentaries: They suggest that this passage must be read in its historical and cultural context and caution against rigid applications in modern-day church settings. They might emphasize restoration over punishment.

• Academic Commentaries: Exegetes focus on understanding the text in its original context, including the role of church discipline in the early church and Paul’s theological perspectives. They often explore the balance between Paul’s sternness and his underlying pastoral concern for the church’s welfare.

Each of these commentaries provides insights that contribute to a nuanced understanding of the verse and its implications for the church both historically and in contemporary practice.