1 Corinthians 5:12-13
What is written? (ESV)
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. Purge the evil person from among you.
What does it say?
For how can I [Paul] judge outsiders? Is it not your own members that you are to judge? God judges those outside [the local congregation]. Purge the sinner from among your congregation.
What is its immediate context?
In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, he is specifically dealing here with a problem of very public (Paul found out about it) and unrepentant sin of a member.
How 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 is applied across Bible answers
Should we be judging others (Matthew 7:1-2)?
Paul is explicitly calling for the church in Corinth to judge each other in order that they might remove any sinner from their midst (not have fellowship with them any longer).
What is Christian fellowship?
Paul is instructing the members of the church in Corinth on their duty and obligation to judge each other according to the gospel (the standard by which they would determine an "evil person".)
