1 Corinthians 5
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1It 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. 2You are puffed up, and didn’t rather mourn, that he who had done this deed might be removed from among you. 3For 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. 4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5are 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. 6Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump? 7Purge 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. 8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old yeast, neither with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners; 10yet 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. 11But 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. 12For what do I have to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are within? 13But those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.”
World English Bible (public domain)
“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife.”
1 Corinthians 5:1
Summary
In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a serious issue of immorality within the Corinthian church. He is astonished and appalled at the tolerance of a man living with his father's wife, an act not even accepted among Gentiles. He instructs the church to mourn over this sin and urges them to remove the man from their community. Paul emphasizes the importance of church discipline, drawing an analogy to the Passover, where leaven must be cleaned out to maintain purity. This chapter highlights the necessity of holiness within the church and maintaining witness to the wider community. Paul closes by instructing believers to judge those within the church, while God will judge those outside.
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Chapter outline
How 1 Corinthians 5 unfolds
1 Corinthians 5:1–2 Issue of Immorality Addressed
Paul reports sexual immorality within the church, namely a man living with his father's wife, shocking even to Gentiles.
1 Corinthians 5:3–5 Call for Judgment
Though absent, Paul judges the situation, instructing the church to expel the immoral member for the sake of his spirit.
1 Corinthians 5:6–8 Importance of Purity
Paul warns that tolerating sin is harmful, using the analogy of yeast to stress the need for purity after Christ's sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 5:9–11 Clarification on Associations
Paul clarifies he means not to associate with self-identified believers who practice sin, not with outsiders.
1 Corinthians 5:12–13 Judgment and Separation
Paul emphasizes that it is the church's responsibility to judge its members, instructing them to remove the wicked.
Key verses
1 Corinthians 5:1The key verse highlights the severe nature of the sin within the church, establishing the urgency for discipline.
Main themes in 1 Corinthians 5
church discipline
Church discipline is a central theme, as Paul calls for the expulsion of the man involved in gross immorality in verses 1-5. The chapter illustrates the seriousness of sin within the church community and the need for corrective measures. This underscores the importance of maintaining moral integrity and accountability among believers.
holiness
Holiness is emphasized throughout the chapter, particularly in verses 7-8, where Paul urges the Corinthian church to purge sin. He connects this call for holiness to Christ’s sacrifice, highlighting the need for believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. This theme reflects the church's witness to the surrounding society and their relationship to God.
community purity
The theme of community purity arises from Paul’s admonition to remove a sinful member in verses 2 and 13. By using the metaphor of leaven, Paul illustrates how one person's sin can corrupt the entire community. This calls the church to be vigilant in maintaining a pure and holy fellowship.
moral accountability
Moral accountability emerges prominently in 1 Corinthians 5, particularly in verses 12-13, where Paul calls for the church to judge those within its community. He asserts that it is not his role to judge outsiders, but rather the church must take responsibility for the moral conduct of its own members. This emphasis on accountability is vital for maintaining the integrity and health of the church, ensuring that it reflects the values of the Christian faith.
Cross-references
Passages that echo 1 Corinthians 5
- Matthew 18This passage connects by providing guidelines for confronting sin within the church, echoing Paul's call for discipline.
- 2 Thessalonians 3Paul's instruction here develops the theme of church discipline by advising separation from those who live unruly lives.
- 1 Corinthians 6This passage echoes the call for moral purity, emphasizing that believers should not be involved in sinful practices.
- 1 Corinthians 15In this chapter, Paul develops the theme of resurrection and accountability, relevant to understanding the church's moral stance.
- Ephesians 5This passage connects through its teaching on walking in love and light, reinforcing the call for purity in the church.
- Galatians 5This chapter develops the theme of moral accountability, emphasizing the need to live by the Spirit and not indulge in sin.
Study questions
Questions for studying 1 Corinthians 5
- What specific type of immorality is reported in the Corinthian church?
- How does Paul describe the church's response to the sin?
- What does Paul mean by delivering the man to Satan?
- How does the metaphor of yeast apply to the church's purity?
- What distinction does Paul make between judging insiders and outsiders?
1 Corinthians 5: frequently asked questions
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