1 Corinthians 5:13

But them that are without, God iudgeth. Therefore put away from among your selues that wicked person. 1 Corinthians 5:13 (KJV)

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church to address a serious case of immorality and to outline the proper response of the body of believers. In this verse Paul confronts the community with two linked truths: first, that those who are outside the church—”them that are without”—will ultimately be judged by God; second, that the church must remove a wicked person from its midst in order to preserve its purity.

Understanding the verse, “But them that are without, God judgeth,” points to the unbelievers beyond the fellowship of believers. The phrase underscores that divine judgment belongs to God alone and that Christians are not called to pass final judgment on those outside the faith. The follow‑up command, “Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person,” is a clear directive for church discipline. Paul is not urging condemnation for its own sake, but rather a corrective action aimed at restoration and the maintenance of holiness within the body.

Key principles emerge from this teaching. First, the reality of divine judgment reminds believers that ultimate accountability rests with God, especially for those who have not embraced the gospel. Second, church discipline is presented as a necessary responsibility of the local congregation; it is an act of love that seeks the sinner’s repentance rather than mere exclusion. Third, the call to separate from unrepentant wickedness safeguards the spiritual health and public witness of the church, ensuring that the community reflects the character of Christ.

Application flows naturally from these principles. Believers are urged to hold one another accountable, confronting sin with gentleness and a spirit of restoration. The goal of discipline is redemption: to bring the errant individual back into fellowship with God and the church. Moreover, a community that upholds a high moral standard serves as a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel.

In summary, 1 Corinthians 5:13 teaches that while God will judge those outside the church, the church itself must act decisively against unrepentant sin within its ranks. This dual focus on divine judgment and corporate discipline calls believers to be accountable to one another, to pursue restoration for the wayward, and to maintain a godly witness that honors Christ.