Bible study online

1 Corinthians 5:12

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

1 Corinthians 5:12

Verse 12 of 13

Scripture focus

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

1 Corinthians 5:12 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:12

Theological / Devotional

That are without. Paul stated that he knew he had no right or authority that would entitle him to exercise jurisdiction over anyone outside the church. His counsel and instruction were for church members. His office as a Christian apostle did not entitle him to discipline or punish those who were not Christians. He addressed himself only to “them that are within.”

Them that are within. The church has power to discipline its own members, but it has no power to control nonmembers. Paul made it clear that it was the duty of the church in Corinth to use its authority to deal effectively with the openly and defiantly erring member.

By SdaBc