1 Corinthians 11:32
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Hebrews 12:5-11 expounds this theology: God disciplines sons, not illegitimate children. Discipline proves sonship. This was countercultural: Greco-Roman religions featured capricious gods who punished arbitrarily. Biblical theology presents a covenant God who disciplines His people redemptively, not vindictively. Deuteronomy 8:5 ('As a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you') shaped Jewish and Christian understanding. Paul applies this to Table discipline: sickness and death (v. 30) are paternal correction, not divine abandonment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's judgment as fatherly discipline change your response to suffering or setbacks?
- What distinguishes discipline (for believers) from condemnation (for unbelievers)—how do motives and outcomes differ?
- How should churches practice discipline in a way that reflects God's redemptive, not punitive, purposes?
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Analysis & Commentary
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world—Paul clarifies the nature of divine judgment on believers. Κρινόμενοι δὲ ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου παιδευόμεθα (being judged by the Lord we are disciplined)—paideuō means to train, educate, discipline (like a father disciplines a child, Hebrews 12:5-11). This isn't wrath but fatherly correction.
That we should not be condemned with the world (ἵνα μὴ σὺν τῷ κόσμῳ κατακριθῶμεν)—katakrithōmen (condemned) is final judicial verdict. God's children won't face eschatological condemnation (Romans 8:1: 'no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus'). But temporal discipline prevents apostasy and keeps believers on the narrow path. The 'world' (kosmos) represents rebellious humanity under judgment. Believers are distinguished from the world not by sinlessness but by repentance under divine discipline. Judgment on believers is remedial; judgment on the world is final.