1 Corinthians 5
1 Corinthians 5 is the section where the Apostle Paul addresses a serious moral issue that arose within the church in Corinth. Paul refers to an act of sexual immorality that occurred in the church (in particular, a case in which a man had a relationship with his father’s wife), emphasizing the holiness of the community. Paul urges that the church should not tolerate such sin and should respond decisively.
1verseIt is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles, that one has his father’s wife.
2verseYou are arrogant, and didn’t mourn instead, that he who had done this deed might be removed from among you.
3verseFor I most certainly, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as though I were present, judged him who has done this thing.
4verseIn the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together with my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5verseyou are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6verseYour boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?
7versePurge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.
8verseTherefore let’s keep the feast, not with old yeast, neither with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9verseI wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners;
10verseyet not at all meaning with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous and extortionists, or with idolaters, for then you would have to leave the world.
11verseBut as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person.
12verseFor what do I have to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are within?
13verseBut those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.”
Structure and Content Flow
- Presenting the Problem (Verses 1–2): Paul points out that a moral incident became known within the church, and that the members did not mourn or respond appropriately.
- Paul’s Exhortation (Verses 3–5): Paul asks that the church take firm spiritual action regarding this issue, mentioning that the person should be separated from the faith community (excommunicated).
- The Parable of Leaven (Verses 6–8): Through the illustration of leaven in bread dough, Paul explains that even a small sin can affect the entire community. He urges them to live with purity and truth.
- Fellowship and Boundaries Within Faith (Verses 9–13): Paul explains that he is not talking about having fellowship with sinners in the world outside the church, but rather about a warning against those who repeatedly commit sin within the church and do not repent. Finally, he urges that they should not keep company with such people.
Overall Meaning
In this chapter, Paul emphasizes not only personal morality but also the identity and well-being of the entire community. Paul reminds them that the church is a community of love, yet at the same time it is a community that pursues holiness. He lets them know that when an individual’s wrongdoing is left unaddressed, negative effects can begin to spread throughout the whole community. Paul also states that the church does not have authority to judge the world, but within the community healthy boundaries and spiritual responsibility are necessary.
Meditation Points
- How do I view the issue of sin in the community I belong to, and how am I working to address it?
- To what extent do I need to examine the purity and truthfulness—my inner attitude and sense of responsibility toward the community?
- We can also think about how we might maintain a balance between love and holiness.
Applying to Myself
- I think about how my choices and actions will affect the community I belong to.
- Rather than criticism, I consider how I can practice an attitude that helps bring restoration and healthy growth.
- I need time to check myself regarding the responsibilities and boundaries that must be upheld within the community, and the balance of love.
