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

This verse comes at the end of a passage where Paul is addressing the Corinthian church about the issue of sexual immorality within the congregation. In the preceding verses, Paul expresses his shock and dismay at the fact that there is a man in the church who is engaged in a sexual relationship with his father's wife. This behavior is not only condemned by society but is also seen as a grave sin within the Christian community.

The verse speaks to the concept of church discipline and the responsibility of the Christian community to maintain a standard of righteousness. Paul is instructing the Corinthian church to remove the individual engaged in the sinful behavior from their midst. This is not an act of judgment, but rather a way to maintain the purity and integrity of the church. The individuals within the church are held to a higher standard of behavior, and it is essential to address and deal with sin within the community in order to maintain the witness of the church to the world.

The phrase "But them that are without, God judgeth" is an important reminder that ultimately it is God who will judge those outside the church. The responsibility of the church is to exercise discipline within its own membership, but it is not our place to judge those outside the church. This is an important reminder to Christians not to be quick to judge and condemn those who are not part of the faith community, but rather to share the love and grace of God with them.

The verse also speaks to the greater theme of accountability within the Christian community. It highlights the need for believers to hold one another accountable for their actions and behaviors. The church should be a place where people are held to a standard of righteousness, and where members are willing to challenge one another in love when they see someone straying from that standard. This accountability is intended to help individuals grow in their faith and keep them on the path of righteousness.

Additionally, this verse can be viewed in the context of the broader message of the book of 1 Corinthians. Throughout the letter, Paul addresses various issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions, moral purity, marriage, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection of the dead. His aim is to encourage the church to live in accordance with the teachings of Christ and to address the various challenges and conflicts that arise within the community.

The symbolism in this verse can be seen in the act of "putting away from among yourselves that wicked person." This action symbolizes the need for the church to separate itself from sinful behaviors and individuals who persist in unrepentant sin. It also symbolizes the church's commitment to maintaining a standard of righteousness and purity in its membership.

In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 5:13 provides an important reminder of the need for accountability and discipline within the Christian community. It emphasizes the responsibility of believers to address sin within the church and to maintain a standard of righteousness, while also reminding them of the ultimate judgment of God on those outside the faith. This verse serves as a call to Christians to uphold the values and principles of the faith community, to support one another in living out their faith, and to share the love and grace of God with those outside the church.