1 Corinthians 5:1-5
1 “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and sexual immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, namely, that someone has his father’s wife. 2 You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. 3 For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 I have decided to turn such a person over to Satan for the destruction of his body, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.”
Verse 1: Paul begins by acknowledging that he has received a report about a serious problem within the church. He describes the situation as sexual immorality, specifically a believing man engaging in a sexual relationship with his stepmother. This behavior is not only sinful but also considered unacceptable even by pagan standards.
Verse 2: Paul expresses his astonishment at the Corinthians’ response to this sin. Instead of mourning over the sin and taking appropriate action, they seem to be proud or boastful about it. Paul admonishes them, saying that they should have expelled the man from their fellowship.
Verse 3: Paul assures the Corinthians that even though he is not physically present, he is spiritually present with them. He declares that he has already made a judgment in the name of the Lord Jesus regarding the man involved in this sin.
Verse 4: Paul emphasizes the importance of the Corinthians being gathered together as a church. He reminds them that he is spiritually present with them, and the power of the Lord Jesus is also present when they come together.
Verse 5: In this verse, Paul instructs the Corinthians to hand over the believer involved in the sexual immorality to Satan. This is not a literal physical handing over, but rather a removal from the fellowship and protection of the church. The purpose of this disciplinary action is to bring about repentance and restoration.
