The term "particeps criminis" is a Latin phrase meaning "participant in crime" or "partner in crime." In a biblical context, it refers to individuals who, by their actions or inactions, become complicit in the sins or wrongdoings of others. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings concerning the moral and spiritual implications of being a particeps criminis.

Old Testament References

1. Exodus 23:1-2: "You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness. You shall not follow a crowd to do evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice." This passage warns against joining others in falsehood and injustice, highlighting the responsibility to stand apart from collective wrongdoing.

2. Proverbs 1:10-15: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, 'Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause...' my son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path." Here, the wisdom literature advises against succumbing to peer pressure and participating in the sinful schemes of others.

3. Leviticus 19:17: "You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him." This verse emphasizes the importance of confronting sin rather than silently condoning it, thereby avoiding shared guilt.

New Testament References

1. Romans 1:32: "Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things but also approve of those who practice them." The Apostle Paul condemns not only those who commit sins but also those who approve or support such actions, implicating them as particeps criminis.

2. 1 Timothy 5:22: "Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands, and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." This instruction to Timothy underscores the caution needed to avoid becoming complicit in the sins of others, particularly in the context of endorsing or supporting individuals in positions of responsibility.

3. Ephesians 5:11: "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Believers are called to separate themselves from sinful actions and to actively expose them, rather than becoming complicit through silence or association.

4. 2 John 1:10-11: "If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds." This passage warns against providing support or hospitality to those who propagate false teachings, as doing so implicates one in their wrongdoing.

Examples of Particeps Criminis in Scripture

1. Achan's Family (Joshua 7:24-25): Achan's family suffered the consequences of his sin, suggesting their complicity or at least their failure to oppose his actions. This narrative illustrates the severe repercussions of being associated with sin.

2. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11): This couple conspired together to deceive the early church about the proceeds of a land sale. Their joint participation in deceit led to their downfall, serving as a stark warning against complicity in sin.

3. Pilate and the Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:12-16): Although Pilate found no fault in Jesus, he succumbed to the pressure of the crowd and authorized His crucifixion. Pilate's actions demonstrate how yielding to external pressures can make one complicit in grave injustice.

The biblical narrative consistently warns against becoming a particeps criminis, urging believers to maintain integrity, resist complicity in sin, and uphold righteousness in all circumstances.2 John 1:11
For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
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