1 Corinthians 5:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 5:12
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 5 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, discipleship, mercy. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 5:12
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
Analysis
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without?—the rhetorical question expects a negative answer: "Nothing!" Krinō (κρίνω, "judge") here means rendering moral verdicts and exercising discipline. Them that are without (τοὺς ἔξω) refers to those outside the church, unbelievers. Paul isn't called to police the morality of pagan Corinth—that's God's prerogative. The church's jurisdiction is internal, not external. Do not ye judge them that are within?—another rhetorical question expecting "Yes!"
Esō (ἔσω, "within") are church members who have covenanted together under Christ's lordship and submitted to mutual accountability. The church is responsible to exercise discernment and discipline within its own ranks. This principle protects against two errors:
- ignoring sin among believers while condemning the world (hypocrisy),
- crusading to impose Christian standards on unbelievers through force (theocracy or moralism).
The church's witness is maintained by internal holiness, not external coercion. We evangelize the world with grace while maintaining accountability within the covenant community.
Historical Context
Paul's distinction between insiders and outsiders reflects Jewish practice—synagogues exercised discipline over members but didn't judge Gentiles. Early Christians faced tension: how to maintain distinct moral standards while living in pagan cities. Paul's answer: hold believers accountable to gospel ethics; extend grace and gospel witness to unbelievers without expecting them to live as Christians before conversion.
Reflection
- Do you spend more energy condemning the world's sin or addressing sin within the church?
- How can you maintain high standards for Christians without self-righteousness toward non-Christians?
- What does it mean to judge those 'within' the church—how is this done lovingly and biblically?
Cross-References
- Judgment: Luke 12:14
- Parallel theme: Mark 4:11, 1 Timothy 3:7