1 Corinthians 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Corinthians 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The issue of immorality among the Corinthians involves a man who has his father’s wife (vv. 1-2). Paul expresses disappointment at their pride rather than mourning for the sin. He states he has already judged the man who committed this act, even from a distance (vv. 3-5). Paul calls for the Corinthians to deliver the man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, with the hope that his spirit may be saved.

Key verse

“It 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.”
1 Corinthians 5:1 (WEB)

Outline

1 Corinthians 5:1–2 Issue of Immorality Addressed
1 Corinthians 5:3–5 Call for Judgment
1 Corinthians 5:6–8 Importance of Purity
1 Corinthians 5:9–11 Clarification on Associations
1 Corinthians 5:12–13 Judgment and Separation

Discussion questions

In v1, what specific 'sexual immorality' is reported among the Corinthians?
In v11, what does Paul say about a 'brother' who is a sexual sinner?
What does Paul mean by 'a little yeast leavens the whole lump' in v6?
In v5, what does Paul imply by saying to 'deliver such a one to Satan'?
When have you seen someone 'puffed up' instead of addressing a serious issue like in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Corinthians 5: Matthew 18, 2 Thessalonians 3, 1 Corinthians 6.

Before next time: read 1 Corinthians 6.