Definition and Context:
To ostracize means to exclude someone from a society or group. In biblical terms, it often refers to the act of casting someone out from the community of believers due to sin, heresy, or other forms of disobedience to God's commandments. This practice is rooted in the desire to maintain the purity and holiness of the community, as well as to encourage repentance and restoration of the individual.

Biblical Instances and Teachings:

1. Old Testament Context:
The concept of ostracism can be seen in the Old Testament laws concerning purity and holiness. For example, in Leviticus 13-14, those with leprosy were required to live outside the camp until they were declared clean by the priest. This was not only for health reasons but also symbolized the separation from the community due to impurity.

2. New Testament Instructions:
The New Testament provides more explicit instructions regarding the practice of ostracism within the church. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for dealing with a sinning brother: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

3. Apostolic Practice:
The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of church discipline and ostracism. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, Paul instructs the Corinthian church to expel a man who was living in sin with his father's wife: "Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord." This severe action was intended to bring about repentance and ultimately restore the individual to fellowship.

4. Purpose and Restoration:
The primary purpose of ostracism in the biblical context is not punitive but redemptive. It serves as a means to bring about repentance and reconciliation. In 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, Paul advises, "Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." The goal is always to restore the individual to the community of believers.

5. Warnings Against Misuse:
While ostracism is a biblical practice, it must be exercised with caution and love. The church is warned against using it as a tool for personal vendettas or unjust exclusion. In Galatians 6:1, Paul reminds believers, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."

Conclusion:
Ostracism, when applied biblically, serves as a tool for maintaining the holiness of the church and encouraging repentance. It is a practice that requires wisdom, discernment, and a heart for restoration, always aiming to bring the erring individual back into the fold of the faithful.1. (v. t.) To banish from society; to cast out from social, political, or private favor; as, he was ostracized by his former friends.

2. (v. t.) To exile by ostracism; to banish by a popular vote, as at Athens.

873. aphorizo -- to mark off by boundaries from, ie set apart
... Word Origin from apo and horizo Definition to mark off by boundaries from, ie set
apart NASB Word Usage hold...aloof (1), ostracize (1), separate (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/873.htm - 8kOstracize (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vt) To exile by ostracism; to banish by a popular vote, as at Athens.
Multi-Version Concordance Ostracize (1 Occurrence). Luke ...
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Ostraca

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Ostrich (9 Occurrences)

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