Does 1 Corinthians 5:3 Contradict 1 Corinthians 4:5?

Does 1 Corinthians 5:3 Contradict 1 Corinthians 4:5?

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he writes two statements that without context seem to contradict. “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,” (1 Corinthians 4:5 KJV). He then later states, “For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,” (1 Corinthians 5:3 KJV). It seems Paul claims we are unable to pronounce judgment, then he goes off to do that very thing. Firstly, what is the context?

As chapter four is much more complex, we will start with chapter 5. In 1 Corinthians 5:3, Paul is speaking of a person who had committed an immorality(1 Corinthians 5:1). He then scolds the church for not acting on this person for they committed a great crime(1 Corinthians 5:2-5). Paul judged this man for his sexual immorality(1 Corinthians 5:3), for sleeping with his mother(1 Corinthians 5:1). 

Now for chapter 4. Paul begins by noting that it is required that stewards to be faithful(1 Corinthians 4:2), he then notes it is small or insignificant for them to judge him(1 Corinthians 4:3). Why? Paul states “ For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord,” (1 Corinthians 4:4 KJV). Now it must be noted that Paul is not saying he is perfect or not worthy of reproach, rather, Paul is simply noting that no human being's belief matters in comparison to that of God. 

To conclude, Paul is not saying we are not allowed to judge, but to not act as an adversary or fault-finders. We may judge righteously, but must be careful not to sit in God's seat and act like Pharisees.