1 It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
3 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,
4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6 Your glorying [is] not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Overview of 1 Corinthians Chapter 5
1 Corinthians Chapter 5 addresses issues of immorality within the church in Corinth. The Apostle Paul confronts the church regarding a case of sexual immorality that is not only tolerated but is also celebrated among its members. This chapter emphasizes the need for church discipline and the importance of maintaining moral purity within the Christian community.
Key Themes
- Sexual Immorality: The chapter opens with a shocking report of a man who is living with his father’s wife, a situation that Paul describes as a form of immorality that even the pagans would not tolerate.
- Church Discipline: Paul instructs the church to take action against the individual involved in this sin, advocating for a form of excommunication to preserve the integrity of the community.
- Purity and Holiness: The chapter emphasizes the necessity of maintaining moral standards and the call for believers to be a holy people, distinct from the surrounding culture.
- Influence of Sin: Paul warns about the pervasive nature of sin, using the metaphor of leaven to illustrate how a little sin can affect the whole community.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-2: The Report of Immorality
Paul begins by expressing shock at the report of sexual immorality within the church. He highlights that the sin is not only serious but also publicly known, leading to a lack of shame among the members. The church’s complacency in addressing the issue is criticized, as they are proud rather than mourning the situation.
Verses 3-5: The Call for Action
In these verses, Paul asserts his apostolic authority by declaring that he has already judged the individual in question. He instructs the church to deliver the man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, which implies a form of excommunication aimed at restoration. This radical measure is intended to bring the sinner to repentance and to protect the church from the corrupting influence of sin.
Verses 6-8: The Metaphor of Leaven
Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to illustrate how sin can spread within the community. He calls for the church to remove the “old leaven” and to celebrate the Passover with “the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” This metaphor emphasizes the need for purity and the importance of living in a manner that reflects the sacrifice of Christ.
Verses 9-13: Clarification on Association with Sinners
Paul clarifies his previous instructions regarding associating with immoral people. He distinguishes between those outside the church and those within it. While Christians are called to engage with the world, they must hold each other accountable to a higher standard of conduct. The chapter concludes with a strong admonition to expel the wicked person from among them, reinforcing the need for church discipline.
Conclusion
1 Corinthians Chapter 5 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holiness within the church. Paul’s instructions highlight the necessity of confronting sin and maintaining moral integrity, while also emphasizing the hope of restoration for those who repent. The chapter challenges modern readers to consider the implications of sin within their communities and the responsibilities that come with being part of the body of Christ.
