Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 5:12

"For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within?" — 1 Corinthians 5:12 (ASV)

For what have I to do . . .?—In this verse, the Apostle at once explains the reasons for limiting his remarks to Christians. He also seems to hint, by the form of expression here, that the Corinthian church should have been able to understand that his remarks applied only to themselves and not to the heathen.

Them also that are without.—The heathen. This was a common expression among the Jews to designate the Gentile world (Mark 4:11).

Do not you judge them that are within?—As the Christian church could sit in judgment only on its own members, they should have concluded that St. Paul had passed judgment only on them.