General A Marked Man

[benadam1974]

by carlos@thehumanjesus.org

The Apostle Paul commands churches not only to "keep an eye" on unruly Christians (Rom 16.17) but to also "take note," literally "to make a marked man of him.” And the nature of the mark is indicated in the next clause of 2 Thess. 3:14, so that "he may be ashamed"!

The clause [mark out, take note] respects the notice the church should take of such a person; not in a private way, or merely by way of admonition and reproof, such as is given before rejection from communion; but by the black mark of excommunication; lay him under censure, exclude him from your communion, put a brand upon him as a scabbed sheep, and separate him from the flock; and so the Syriac version renders it, "let him be separated from you" and this sense is confirmed by what follows, and have no company with him; as little as can be in common and civil conversation, lest he should take encouragement from thence to continue in his sin, and lest others should think it is connived at; and much less at the Lord's table, or in a sacred and religious conversation, or in a way of church fellowship and communion. (Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible)

That he may be ashamed; the design or object of thus noting him. As if the apostle had said, "Bring the force of Christian opinion to bear upon him. Show your moral indignation by excluding him from the Christian community." The noting or excommunicating was more of the nature of a correction than of a punishment, and its design was the reclaiming of the offender. [Pulpit Commentary]

This “mark” set on the obstinate breaker of rule is intended for his good—to the end that he may be ashamed (R.V.), or abashed. This is all the punishment desired for him. If shame is awakened in him, when he finds himself condemned by the general sentiment and left alone, this may be the beginning of amendment. Compare the directions given in the extreme case of offence at Corinth, 2 Corinthians 2:6-8. The door for repentance is left wide open. [Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges]

 

[LeeB]

benadam , is this marking the same as shunning? Is shunning not always a bad thing if administered by Godly men? As you noted , the door is always open for repentance. It is for the destruction of the flesh so that the spirit may be saved.

 

[benadam1974]

benadam , is this marking the same as shunning? Is shunning not always a bad thing if administered by Godly men? As you noted , the door is always open for repentance. It is for the destruction of the flesh so that the spirit may be saved.

Not “shunning” as practiced by JWs if that’s what you mean.

 

[LeeB]

Yes. The WCG was similar to the JWs. I was shunned by them but am past that now.

 

[LeeB]

benadam, are you a former JW ? I left the WCG in 1993. Some of their teachings are correct, some only partly correct. The JWs are like this too. I think all churches have to various degrees some truth. All believe there is a God but after this the wheels come the wagon. I have seen God defined as 1, 2, 3 and 4 beings. There is alot of confusion out there and only Yahwehs Spirit can straighten it out. Do you think the JWs are Christians ?

 

[benadam1974]

benadam, are you a former JW ? I left the WCG in 1993. Some of their teachings are correct, some only partly correct. The JWs are like this too. I think all churches have to various degrees some truth. All believe there is a God but after this the wheels come the wagon. I have seen God defined as 1, 2, 3 and 4 beings. There is alot of confusion out there and only Yahwehs Spirit can straighten it out. Do you think the JWs are Christians ?

I grew up agnostic and converted at 32 years of age. And we should judge to discernment not condemnation, i.e., who is a Christian or not.

 

[LeeB]

You are correct benadam, we are to judge with righteous judgement, we are to try the spirits, we have the gift of discernment. By their fruit you shall know them. When we speak spiritual truth and are either heard or not. DOCTRINE . The truth sets us free from lies, Jesus said all who are of the truth hear my voice. I believe all these things come to us by the Holy Spirit of the Father and by no man because we have an anointing that teaches us, Paul planted Apollos watered but God gives the increase. Condemnation is Gods territory not ours but judgement is a requirement on our part.