1 Corinthians 5:6

Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?

Study Bible

Your boasting
In 1 Corinthians 5:6, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church's attitude towards sin within their community. The Greek word for "boasting" is "καύχημα" (kauchēma), which implies a sense of pride or glorying. Historically, the Corinthian church was situated in a city known for its moral laxity and diverse cultural influences. This prideful attitude suggests a complacency or even a sense of superiority despite the presence of sin. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a warning against spiritual arrogance and the danger of becoming desensitized to sin.

is not good
The phrase "is not good" is a direct rebuke. The Greek word for "good" here is "καλός" (kalos), which means noble or honorable. Paul is emphasizing that their pride is misplaced and contrary to the moral and ethical standards expected of a Christian community. In the broader scriptural context, this aligns with the biblical call to holiness and the pursuit of righteousness. The church is reminded that their actions and attitudes should reflect the character of Christ, not the permissiveness of the surrounding culture.

Do you not know
This rhetorical question is a common Pauline technique used to provoke self-examination and reflection. The phrase suggests that the Corinthians should already be aware of the truth Paul is about to convey. It implies a level of spiritual knowledge and responsibility that they are failing to act upon. In a conservative Christian view, this serves as a reminder that believers are called to be vigilant and discerning, fully aware of the implications of their actions and attitudes.

that a little yeast
The metaphor of "yeast" (Greek: "ζύμη" - zymē) is significant. In biblical times, yeast was often used as a symbol for sin or corruption because of its pervasive and transformative nature. Just as a small amount of yeast can affect an entire batch of dough, so can a seemingly small sin influence an entire community. This imagery is rooted in Jewish Passover traditions, where unleavened bread symbolizes purity and separation from sin. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes the need for vigilance against even the smallest sin, recognizing its potential to spread and corrupt.

leavens the whole batch of dough?
The process of leavening, where yeast ferments and causes dough to rise, is used here to illustrate how sin can permeate and affect the entire church body. The historical context of this metaphor would resonate with the Corinthians, who were familiar with baking and the effects of yeast. Paul is warning that tolerating sin within the church can lead to widespread moral and spiritual decay. From a conservative standpoint, this underscores the importance of church discipline and the need to address sin decisively to maintain the purity and integrity of the Christian community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Corinthians, addressing issues within the Corinthian church.

2. Corinthian Church
The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Corinth struggling with moral and ethical issues.

3. Yeast (Leaven)
A metaphor used by Paul to illustrate how a small amount of sin can affect the entire community.

4. Sin in the Church
The specific issue being addressed is the tolerance of immorality within the church.

5. Boasting
The attitude of the Corinthians, who were proud despite the presence of sin among them.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Tolerating Sin
Just as a small amount of yeast affects the whole dough, tolerating even a small sin can corrupt the entire community. Christians must be vigilant in addressing sin within the church.

The Importance of Humility
The Corinthians' boasting was misplaced. True Christian maturity involves humility and a recognition of our need for God's grace.

The Call to Purity
Believers are called to be a "new batch" without yeast, symbolizing a life of purity and holiness. This requires ongoing self-examination and repentance.

Community Responsibility
The church community has a responsibility to hold each other accountable and to lovingly confront sin, ensuring the health and holiness of the body of Christ.

The Influence of Sin
Sin, like yeast, can spread quickly and affect others. Christians must be aware of their influence and strive to be a positive example.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of yeast help us understand the impact of sin within a community?

2. In what ways might we be "boasting" in our own lives, and how can we cultivate humility instead?

3. How can we apply the principle of removing "yeast" from our lives today, both individually and as a church?

4. What steps can we take to lovingly address sin within our church community while maintaining grace and truth?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Galatians 5:9 and Matthew 16:6, reinforce the message of 1 Corinthians 5:6?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Galatians 5:9
Paul uses a similar metaphor of yeast to warn the Galatians about the influence of false teachings.

Matthew 16:6
Jesus warns His disciples about the "yeast" of the Pharisees and Sadducees, referring to their teachings.

Exodus 12:15
The command to remove leaven from homes during Passover, symbolizing the removal of sin.

1 Corinthians 5:1-5
The context of the passage, where Paul addresses the specific sin of sexual immorality in the church.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Paul continues the metaphor, urging the church to be a new batch without yeast, symbolizing purity.