First Century Judgment

Until the first century, the standards and practices of judgment within the politically religious realm of Judaism had long been observed by the Hebrew people. Perception of moral righteousness, evil, and worth shaped discernment and thereby treatment, rewards, and penalties. Early in the first century, the Messiah revealed truths that gave greater understanding for discernment of righteous and unrighteous judgment to his followers. Understanding the influential perceptions addressed in scripture will help today's followers gain the right perception to exercise sound discretion.

Influential Perceptions

God's Law of Righteousness

God's law of righteousness expresses that if you obey, you will live, but if you sin you will die. The commandments fall under the law of God and require that they must be kept in order for God's people to show their righteousness and their worthiness to live.

Deuteronomy 6:25 KJV - "And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us."​

Leviticus 18:5 KJV - "Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD." (also Nehemiah 9:29; Ezekiel 20:11, 13, 21; Galatians 3:12) ​

Romans 10:5 KJV - "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them."

Ezekiel 18:4 KJV - "Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die."

Romans 6:16 KJV - "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

If God's people were capable of being self-righteous, they would not have needed a law to show them the way of righteousness.

1 Timothy 1:9-10 KJV - "9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;"

2 Peter 2:21 KJV - "For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them."

Romans 9:31 KJV - "But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness."

Romans 10:3 KJV - "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."

Since the law revealed to man their sin, as well as, their worthiness of death by their inability to keep the entirety of the law, this law became known as the "law of sin and death".

Romans 8:2 KJV - "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

The first and greatest influence in the Hebrew perception of judgment is rooted in the knowledge of the law. For one and a half millenniums, the Hebrew people associated sin with being worthy of death. It is still believed by many that in order to be righteous one must fulfill mitzvot (laws). This mindset leads one who follows mitzvot to think of themselves as worthy of life and judges others who don't as worthy of death.

God's Judgment

God's people were not only to keep the law that includes the ten commandments, but also God's additional laws, statues and judgments.

Sacrificial substitutions for God's people were permitted at appointed times; having strict procedures for acceptance by God. Certain transgressions resulted in the immediate death penalty without substitution. For other transgressions, where death was not required, steep punishments were inflicted, such as scourging, or cutting off a hand. Additionally, equal suffering was inflicted to those who caused someone else suffering.

God's judgments were required to be carried out and could not be altered. Mercy for judgment could only be ordered or bestowed by God; thus, the Hebrew people perceived that only God could forgive sins. This understanding fueled condemnation of others. This perception can be seen in scripture:

Mark 2:7 KJV - "Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?" (Also Luke 5:21)

John 8:4-5 KJV - "4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? (see in context John 8:1-11)

Mark 14:64 KJV - "Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death."

Life & Death

Hebrew perception of life and death are directly connected to their understanding of Heaven and Hell. Their perception evolved through the ages as God revealed more truths to his people.

Heaven

Most collectively understood among the Hebrew people is that Heaven is a place where God dwells and that the human soul does not depart to live with God in his dwelling place. For some, life on earth was the best experience of existence they would have until they died. Many hoped that they would be resurrected to life on earth. This perception can be seen in scripture:

1 Kings 8:49 KJV - "Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause," (also 1 Kings 8:30, 39, 43; 2 Chronicles 6:21, 30, 30:27)

John 3:13 KJV - "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven."

John 1:18 KJV - "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." (also John 6:46)

Job 14:14 KJV - "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come."

Isaiah 26:19 KJV - "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead."

Ezekiel 37:5-6 KJV - "5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD."

Hell

Opposite to the living was the place of the dead; known as Sheol. It is believed to be the place where all souls descend in the earth and is known as a place of darkness and stillness, and where all knowledge is forgotten. Some believed Sheol was the permanent residence of the soul after death. This perception can be seen in scripture:

Ezekiel 31:14 KJV - "To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit."

Psalm 115:17 KJV - "The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence."

Ecclesiastes 9:5 KJV - "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten."

Matthew 22:23 KJV - "The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,"

Revelation (Heaven & Hell)

After the second temple period, Sheol was revealed to have depth and to be compartmentalized with chambers where the ungodly were tormented according to their degree of wickedness. The Hebrew word, Ge'henom (the valley of Hinnom in Jerusalem), came to use as a simile to describe the fiery torment of hell based on the history of the fiery torment of child sacrifice that had taken place there. Across a great expanse from hell's flames was a place known as "paradise" and "Abraham's bosom"; where the righteous resided. The forthcoming of Greek Hellenism brought with it the Greek words "Hades" (G86), "Tartaroo" (G5020), and "Géenna" (G1067). This perception can be seen in scripture:

Isaiah 14:15 KJV - "Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit."

Proverbs 7:27 KJV - "Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death."

Proverbs 9:18 KJV - "But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell."

Mark 9:43 KJV - "And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:"

Luke 16:22-26 KJV - "22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence."

Luke 23:43 KJV - "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

It wasn't until the first century that the Messiah revealed that there was not only hope of a resurrection, but also an immediate dwelling place with God after death in Heaven for the redeemed.

John 11:25 KJV - "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"

John 14:2-3 KJV - "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (See john 17:24)

2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV - "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

Revelation 19:1 KJV - "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:"

Significance

Existing and life are two different ideas. From the Hebrew perspective, to have life was to have vitality, sensory fulfilling experiences, and purpose. Life possesses the ability to thrive and create. To be cut off from the land of the living, in essence, was to be kicked out of "heaven".

Jeremiah 11:19 KJV - "But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered."

The Hebrew people, who chose not to accept the Messiah's newly revealed truths about heaven and hell, maintained a false understanding that life on earth was the best there was for mankind. Thus, to the Hebrew people, a sinner was not worthy of heaven and life, but worthy of hell and suffering.

Genealogy

A person's genealogy was also influential in the Hebrew perspective of judgment. The Hebrew people were called out to be separate from every other nation that was idolatrous; even the Samaritans, being half-Jew and half-gentile, who followed pagan customs. This was pride provoking for the Hebrew people and contributed to the condemnation of others. This perception can be seen in scripture:

2 Kings 17:29 KJV - "Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt."

John 4:9 KJV - "Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans."

John 8:48 KJV - "Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?"

Social Class

Social classes, formed of wealth and power, heavily influence perception of worth and thereby treatment of self and others. A high social status promotes a self-perception of being good, wise, better than others, and worthy of reverence and special privileges; while also promoting condemnation and disdain for anyone of a lower class. This was not only prevalent among the heathen nations, but also among corrupt religious dignitaries and judges of Judaism, and even leaders within the early church. This perception can be seen in scripture:

Matthew 23:2, 4-7 KJV - "2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: ... 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi."

Luke 11:46 KJV - "And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers."

Matthew 23:13 KJV - "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in."​

Luke 18:11 KJV - "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican."

James 2:2-3, 6 KJV - "2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:... 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?"

Discerning Judgment

Understanding Hebrew thought and behavior helps bring clarity to the New Testament teaching of judgment, and condemnation. While there are 43 words for judge and condemn in the Old Testament and 17 in the New Testament: with many having multiple meanings, only a few are covered here.

In the first century, the messiah revealed truths for what not to judge, as well as what to judge and how to judge righteously. There are five notable ways not to judge and four notable ways to Judge.

Unrighteous Judgment

What Not to Judge: The worth and worthy punishment of people

For the Hebrew people, especially that of religious dignitaries, judgment of a person included deciding that a sinner was worthy to be punished without mercy or forgiveness. They would be branded as someone to forever be despised, and if possible, carry out the punishment themselves. This method of judgment was rebuked by the Messiah.

The words judge/judged in Matthew 7:1-2 is defined as:

• Strong's Greek 2919 - κρίνω krínō; properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish"

Matthew 7:1-2 KJV -"1Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."

(judge, judged: G2919)

The judgment that Jesus speaks of is krino, and it is used specifically in regards to judgment of a person, not the person's deeds. The word that clearly specifies this is, "ye".  This is judgment that is condemning and decides what a person is worthy of because of what the person has done or because of some preconceived perception of that person.

In Matthew 7:2, they were also warned about the severity of their judgment in this manner. 

In verse 3, they were reproved for their hypocrisy in declaring that others are sinners, when they themselves were sinners just as worthy of death.

Matthew 7:3 KJV - "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

Acts 23:3 KJV - "Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?"

Luke 13:1-5 KJV - "1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

Romans 1:32 KJV - "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

Hebrews 12:3 KJV - "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

Matthew 6:15 KJV - "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (also Mark 11:26)

Luke 6:37 KJV - "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

James expounds on the sin of judging (krino) a person. He explains that those who speak evil (slandering), judging their brother, puts themselves above the law, as though the law does not apply to them; and as they sin in doing so, they are also truly saying that the law is evil.

James 4:11 KJV - "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge."

Jesus did not come to judge the worth of mankind and thereby did not disparage people or destroy them through death; rather he judged sin. Jesus taught, exhorted, admonished, reproved, and rebuked all sin and sinners that they might repent and receive life.

Luke 9:56 KJV - "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village."

John 3:17 KJV - "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

John 12:47 KJV - "And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world."

Luke 5:32 KJV - "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (also Matthew 9:13 & Mark 2:17)

Acts 11:18 KJV - "When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."

In Acts 13:46, Paul explains that putting off the word of God is ultimately judging oneself as unworthy of everlasting life.

Acts 13:46 KJV - "Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles."

Jesus not only taught mankind to not judge the worthiness of a person for their sins, but to take it further by extending God's mercy and forgiveness. Mercy shows a person that they are worth something to God and forgiveness shows a person that they are worth redeeming.

Matthew 9:6 KJV - "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house." (Also Luke 5:24)

Romans 11:31 KJV - "Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy."

Matthew 5:7 KJV - "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."

Luke 10:26-33, 36-37 KJV - "26  He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, ... 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."

What Not to Judge: Appearance

Judging according to appearance is unrighteous judgment based on sight and perception. Always in a negative connotation, it is the perception that something is anything other than what it factually is; such as deeds or words being true, good, false, or bad when they are not. Judging according to appearance is also known as judging after the flesh. Judging according to appearance often results in bearing false witness.

This method of judgment was used heavily among the Pharisees. Jesus condemns it during the feast of tabernacles when he is judged for doing an evil work.

John 7:21-24 KJV - "21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. 23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

Jesus admonishes the Pharisees for insinuating that he is a liar because he bore record of himself, when they have no way of knowing where he comes from or goes.

John 8:13-15 KJV - "13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. 15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man."

The Pharisees falsely accuse Jesus after they judge according to appearance concerning the miracles wherein he casts out devils.

Matthew 9:34 KJV - "But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils." (also Matthew 12:24)

The Pharisees accused Jesus' disciples of breaking the sabbath. Though this was the appearance in the mind of the Pharisees, Jesus addresses their two false perceptions with one greater truth. (See detailed explanation here)

Matthew 12:1-8 KJV - "1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day."

What Not to Judge: Secrets of the heart (Intention/Integrity/Disposition/Desires)

Secrets of the heart are intentions, integrity, disposition, and desires that have not been revealed through a person's actions. Intention is the reason why something was done or said. Integrity is the level of uprightness or moral principals. Disposition is how someone thinks or feels about something. Desires are what someone inwardly wants.

Judging the secrets of the heart typically follows judging according to appearance. Someone's deeds could outwardly appear acceptable to mankind, but inwardly have sin in their heart. In contrast, someone could have a heart right with God and their deeds be misconstrued as unacceptable to mankind. Any false perception can lead to a judgment of the heart.

In John 9:6, Pharisees misjudged Jesus in falsely accusing him of not keeping the Sabbath, then judged that he was not of God.

John 9:16 KJV - "Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them."

This type of judgment was common concerning food consumption and observations of holy days. Paul taught this to three different churches in three different epistles due to believers judging the heart of other believers.

Romans 14:3-4 KJV - "3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand."

Colossians 2:16 KJV - "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:"

1 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV - "3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord."

God is the only one with the ability and authority to judge the heart. Paul doesn't even know himself as the Lord knows him; yet what he does know is that there is coming a day when God will reveal the hidden truth.

1 Corinthians 4:3-5 KJV - "3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

Romans 2:16 KJV - "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

Hebrews 4:12 KJV - "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Romans 14:10, 13 KJV - "10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. ... 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."

What Not to Judge:  The Conduct of Unbeliever's & Wicked Believer's

The conduct of the unbeliever and wicked believer is estranged from the will of God. They show, by action or speech, that they have no desire stop their ungodly behavior. God alone judges the conduct of such individuals.

To the church of Corinth, Paul teaches that believers are not to judge those that are "without".

The words judge/judgeth in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 is defined as:

• Thayer's Greek Lexicon (Krinō): "of the disciplinary judgment to which Christians subject the conduct of their fellows, passing censure upon them as the facts require, 1 Cor. V. 12 [1 Corinthians 5:12]"

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 KJV - "12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

(judge, judgeth: G2919; Krinō)

Those that are "without" are without the law of God, without being under the law of Christ, and without unity within the fellowship of faithful believers.

1 Corinthians 9:21 KJV - "To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law."

Revelation 22:15 KJV - "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."

Colossians 4:5 KJV - "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."

1 Thessalonians 4:12 KJV - "That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

Jesus taught that those who neglect to hear (to receive and obey the truth) are to be judged as a heathen man and a publican: that is judging their conduct as having the same spirit of error as one who is not born again.

The word neglect in Matthew 18:17 is defined as:

• Thayer's Greek Lexicon (Parakouō): "to refuse to hear, pay no regard to, disobey  ...what one says, Mt. xviii. 17 [Matthew 18:17]"

  
  

The word heareth in 1 John 4:6 is defined as:

• Strong's Greek 191 - ἀκούω akoúō, a primary verb; to hear (in various senses)

Matthew 18:17 KJV - "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."

(neglect: G3878; Parakouō)

1 John 4:6 KJV - "We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."

(heareth: G191)

Titus exhorted that the subverted sinning person is to be rejected.

The word reject in Titus 3:10 is defined as:

• Strong’s Greek 3868 - παραιτέομαι paraitěǒmai; from 3844 and the middle voice of 154; to beg off, i.e. deprecate, decline, shun

Titus 3:10-11 KJV - "10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself."

 (reject: G3868)

Timothy reveals how he stopped judging a believer who would not stop blaspheming.

The word delivered in 1 Timothy 1:20 is defined as:

• Strong’s Greek 3860 - παραδίδωμι paradídōmi; from 3844 and 1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit

1 Timothy 1:19-20 KJV - "19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."

 (delivered: G3860)

An unfaithful believer regards iniquity and is resistant to correction and is unrepentant. They deny Christ by their works.

2 Peter 2:1 KJV - "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."

Jude 1:4 KJV - "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."

2 Timothy 3:5 KJV - "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

Romans 1:28 KJV - "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"

What Not to Judge: Civil Suits

A different Greek word is rendered judge in Luke 12:14. This judgment is for arbitration. Jesus was not called or appointed to determine who is wrong or right, or entitled to loss or gain in a carnal dispute between people.

Judge in Luke 12:14 is defined as:

• Strong’s Greek 1348 - δικαστής dikastēs; from a derivative of 1349; a judger

• Thayer's Greek Lexicon (dikastēs) - "a judge, arbitrator, umpire: Lk. Xii. 14 [Luke 12:14]"

Luke 12:14 KJV - "And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?"

(judge: G1348; dikastēs)

Jesus exhorted his followers to be meek if civil suits were brought against them. Paul admonished those in the church who were seeking judgment through civil suits.

Sue and law in Matthew 5:40 are both krino in Greek:

• Thayer's Greek Lexicon (Krinō) - "... to contend together, of warriors and combatants ... to dispute ... in a forensic sense, to go to law, have a suit at law ... Mt. v. 40 [Matthew 5:40]"

  
  

The word law in 1 Corinthians 6:7 is defined as:

• Thayer's Greek Lexicon (Krima) - "a matter to be judicially decided, a lawsuit, a case in court ...1 Co. vi. 7. [1 Corinthians 6:7]"

Both defrauded and defraud in 1 Corinthians 6:7-8 is defined as:

• Thayer's Lexicon (apostereō) - "to defraud, rob, despoil: absolutely, Mk x.19 [Mark 10:19]; 1 Co. vi. 8 [1 Corinthians 6:8]"

Matthew 5:40 KJV - "And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also."

(sue, law: G2919; Krinō)

1 Corinthians 6:7-8 KJV - "7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren."

(law: G2917; Krima/defraud(ed): G650; apostereō)

When asked to judge as an arbitrator, an arbitrator approves of and partakes in the pursuers sins of lust and pride. This is the behavior of the wicked, thus worldly civil courts exist.

Righteous Judgment

Though there are teachings against many ways of judging, Jesus does not rule out all judging, rather he counters evil judgment with by exhorting righteous judgment.

The word righteous in John 7:24 is defined as:

• Strong’s Greek 1342 - δίκαιος díkaiŏs; from 1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

John 7:24 KJV - "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

 (righteous: G1342)

What to Judge: All Things (spiritual)

Spiritual believers are permitted to judge all “things” spiritually.

The word judge in 1 Corinthians 2:15 is defined as:

• Strong’s Greek 350 - ἀνακρίνω anakrinō; from 303 and 2919; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine

• Thayer’s Greek Lexicon (anakrinō) “b. universally to judge of, estimate, determine (the excellence or defects of any person or thing) …[1 Corinthians 2:15]”

1 Corinthians 2:11-15 KJV - "11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man."

(Judge G350)

What to Judge: What is True & What is Right

Believers are called to discern what is true and morally right versus what is false and morally wrong.

Luke 12:54-57 KJV - "54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. 55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? 57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?"

Acts 4:19 KJV - "But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye."

Romans 14:13 KJV - "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."

1 Corinthians 11:13 KJV - "Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?"

1 Corinthians 10:15 KJV - "I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say."

1 Corinthians 14:29 KJV - "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge."

2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV - "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:"

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV - "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

What to Judge: The Morality of Conduct (Deeds/Works/Actions/Speech)

To judge the morality of deeds is to discern whether a person's deeds are good and righteous or evil and unrighteous.

The word discern in Hebrews 5:14 is defined as:

• Thayer's Greek Lexicon (diakrisis) - "a distinguishing, discerning, judging... Heb. v. (5:) 14 [Hebrews 5:14]"

Hebrews 5:14 KJV - "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

(discern: G1253; diakrisis)

A person's deeds include actions and/or speech. Jesus taught his followers to judge the fruit (deeds/works) of people.

Matthew 7:15-18, 20 KJV - "15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit....20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

1 John 4:1-3, 5-6 KJV - "1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. ... 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."

In John 5:30, Jesus says he judges what he hears.

The word judge in John 5:30 is also krino in Greek:

• Thayer's Greek 2919 - κρίνω krínō; properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish

John 5:30 KJV - "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."

(judge: G2919)

When a person is judged of committing sin, the sin is known to have proceeded from within the person's heart. This is different that judging the secret things of the heart, because the secret things of the heart are no longer a secret when revealed through actions.

Matthew 12:34-35 KJV - "34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."

Matthew 23:25, 28 KJV - "25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. ... 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."

Acts 8:18-22 KJV - "18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."

Acts 5:1-10 KJV - "1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband."

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 KJV - "24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth."

Someone who judges the morality of conduct will either judge righteously or judge according to appearance. To keep from judging unrighteously, believers are exhorted to toil in studying with speed and effort to rightly divide what the word of truth is and what it is not.

The word study in 2 Timothy 2:15 is defined as:

• Strong's Greek 4704 - σπουδάζω spǒudázō; from 4710; to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest

The word workman in 2 Timothy 2:15 is defined as:

• Strong's Greek 2040 - ἐργάτης ěrgátēs; from 2041; a toiler; figuratively, a teacher

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV - "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

(study: G4704; workman: G2040)

What to Judge: The Conduct of Believers that are Within

Believers that are within are those that are in unity and fellowship with Christ and one another. They are believers that are within the law to God; being under the law to Christ. Believers that are within must be faithful; desiring righteousness and having a willing heart to depart from sin; though they will stumble or struggle.

1 Corinthians 9:21 KJV - "To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law."

1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV - "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."

Proverbs 24:16 KJV - "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief."

Romans 7:22, 25 KJV - "22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: ... 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."

Romans 8:7 KJV - "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."

James 1:25 KJV - "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."

The unlawful conduct of a believer that is within is to be judged by faithful believers. Paul conveys this understanding to the church of Corinth.

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 KJV - "12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

1 Corinthians 6:1-5 KJV - "1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? 2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. 5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?"

Following righteous judgment of conduct and correction, an unrepentant believer is to be removed from being within to being without and judgment of their actions will cease. They will remain outside of fellowship until they return with repentance.

Ephesians 5:11-12 KJV - "11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret."

1 Corinthians 5:13 KJV - "But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

Titus 3:10 KJV - "A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;"