Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:13

Verse: "But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

Introduction

1 Corinthians 5:13 is a crucial verse that addresses the church's responsibility to deal with sin within its community. The Apostle Paul, in this epistle, addresses issues concerning morality, purity, and the holiness of the church body. The verse emphasizes the distinction between the world and the church, particularly in matters of judgment.

Contextual Background

In the preceding verses of 1 Corinthians 5, Paul confronts a situation of immorality in the Corinthian church that is so grievous that even those outside the church would not tolerate it. The church's failure to act signifies a serious misunderstanding of God's standard of holiness and a lack of accountability within the body of believers.

The Judgement of Those Outside

Paul declares, "But them that are without God judgeth." This means that God holds those outside the church to a different standard. While they may be judged by their actions, the church’s role is to uphold its standards without trying to enforce them on non-believers.

• Matthew Henry: He emphasizes that the wickedness of the world should not be a model for the behavior of the church. The conduct of “them that are without” serves as a stern reminder to retain the purity that God requires.
• Albert Barnes: He notes that God is the ultimate judge for those outside the faith. The church must concentrate on internal governance and purity rather than imposing its moral expectations upon the secular world.
• Adam Clarke: He argues that this judgment serves as a call for the church to reflect deeply on its moral standards, acknowledging that it has a higher moral accountability.

The Call to Action

The latter part of the verse states, "put away from among yourselves that wicked person." This directive holds significant implications for the church community. Here, Paul insists on the necessity of purging sin to maintain the holiness of the congregation.

• Matthew Henry: He warns that failing to act on such egregious sin can lead to spiritual decay and a dilution of the church's witness in the world. The purity of the church is paramount for its testimony.
• Albert Barnes: He explains that the act of putting away the wicked person serves a dual purpose: it protects the church's integrity and also serves as a potential catalyst for repentance and restoration in the sinner’s life.
• Adam Clarke: He emphasizes the importance of community holiness, suggesting that sin left unchecked can influence many other believers, thus the need for decisive actions in church discipline.

Theological Implications

The theological implications of this verse reveal profound insights about sin, judgment, and community. Paul stresses the church's responsibility to be a holy assembly, reflective of Christ’s mandate.

• Separation: The idea of excommunication or putting away a person underscores the necessity of maintaining boundaries in matters of sin which can contaminate the entire congregation.
• Moral Standards: The church is called to uphold higher moral standards that reflect its character as the body of Christ, indicating that moral purity is essential for a vibrant spiritual life.
• Judgment vs. Mercy: While there is a call for judgment, it does not negate the role of mercy. The ultimate goal is restoration and reconciliation for those who stray, showing that any action taken is for their benefit.

Conclusion

In summary, 1 Corinthians 5:13 presents a challenging yet necessary directive for the church. The insights from various public domain commentaries illustrate the seriousness with which the church must approach sin, emphasizing judgment and discipline while keeping in mind the overarching themes of grace and reconciliation.

As pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars reflect on this verse, it is critical to recognize that the church is called to maintain its purity while reaching out to a sinful world with the message of hope in Jesus Christ. The balance between judgment and mercy is essential in maintaining the integrity of the church and its witness in the world.