◄ 1 Corinthians 5 ►
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Immorality Rebuked (Leviticus 20:10–21; Proverbs 5:1–23) 1It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. 2And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this? 3Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. 4When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesusa and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus, 5hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.b 6Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough? 7Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth. Expel the Immoral Brother 9I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. 10I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. 12What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”c Footnotes: 4 a Or In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled 5 b BYZ and TR the Lord Jesus 13 c Literally Expel the evil from among you; Deuteronomy 13:5, 17:7, 19:19, 21:21, 22:21, 22:24, and 24:7 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub 1 Corinthians 5 Summary Immorality Rebuked Verses 1–2 – Public Sin Exposed and the Needed Response A case of blatant immorality—“a man has his father’s wife”—has become known even outside the church. Instead of grieving and removing the offender, the congregation is proud, perhaps boasting in their tolerance. Verses 3–5 – Apostolic Judgment and Deliverance Though absent, Paul has already judged the matter. Gathering in Jesus’ name, the church is to “hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.” The goal is restoration, not ruin. Verses 6–8 – Leaven Warning and Passover Purity Their boasting is dangerous, for “a little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough.” Christ, the Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed, so the community must keep the feast with sincerity, casting out the “old leaven” of malice and wickedness. Verses 9–11 – Proper Boundaries with Immorality Paul clarifies: he is not telling believers to withdraw from all immoral unbelievers—that would require leaving the world—but from anyone who claims to be a brother yet remains sexually immoral, greedy, idolatrous, slanderous, drunk, or a swindler. With such a person they must “not even eat.” Verses 12–13 – Internal Discipline, External Judgment Believers are to judge those inside the church, leaving outsiders to God. “Expel the wicked man from among you,” echoing Deuteronomy’s call to purge evil from the community. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a severe case of immorality within the Corinthian church. He reprimands the Corinthians for their complacency and prescribes strict church discipline. Using the metaphor of leaven, Paul exhorts the believers to moral purity. He also clarifies the church's role in judging its members and dealing with the outside world. Historical Context of Corinth and Sexual Morality Corinth, rebuilt by Rome in 44 BC, was a bustling port where East met West. Wealth, pagan temples, and transient sailors fostered a climate of open sensuality. Roman law prohibited marriage with a stepmother, yet gentile culture often winked at informal unions. Paul’s shock shows how far the church had absorbed local values. Corinthian Church Dynamics • Diverse membership: Jews, Romans, Greeks, freed slaves. • House-church setting: sin was visible, affecting every gathering. • Pride problem: earlier chapters reveal factions boasting in leaders; the same attitude now defends permissiveness. Incest in Jewish, Roman, and Greek Law • Leviticus 18:8 forbids uncovering a father’s wife. • Roman jurists (e.g., Gaius) saw such unions as “nefas,” an unspeakable wrong. • Greek playwrights used step-parent relations to illustrate moral collapse. Paul stands with Scripture and even pagan law in condemning it. Paul’s Apostolic Authority and Distance Discipline Though writing from Ephesus, Paul speaks “as present in spirit.” First-century letters carried legal weight; a community could act on an apostle’s directive without his bodily presence (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:10–11). The gathered believers invoke the Lord’s power, reinforcing that discipline is a corporate, Christ-centered act. Deliver to Satan – An Early Church Practice • Meaning: removal from fellowship, the protective realm of the church, exposing the offender to the realm where Satan operates (cf. 1 Timothy 1:20). • Aim: “destruction of the flesh” refers to breaking sinful desires, not annihilating the body. The final hope is salvation “on the day of the Lord.” Leaven Imagery and Passover Fulfillment • Exodus 12 required Israelis to purge leaven before Passover. • Jesus used leaven to picture corruption (Mark 8:15). • Galatians 5:9 echoes, “A little leaven leavens the whole batch.” • Paul links Christ’s sacrifice to Passover; believers must live as an unleavened people, free from hidden sin. Church Discipline Across Scripture • Matthew 18:15–17: private reproof, one or two witnesses, then the church. • 2 Thessalonians 3:6: keep away from idle brothers. • Titus 3:10: warn a divisive person twice, then have nothing to do with him. • Hebrews 12:11: discipline yields a harvest of righteousness. Judging Inside vs. Outside the Church • Outsider sins: Acts 17:31 shows God will judge the world. • Insider accountability: 1 Peter 4:17, “Judgment begins with God’s household.” • Balance: evangelize the lost; guard the flock. Archaeological Notes on Corinth • Temple of Aphrodite ruins on Acrocorinth reflect the city’s sexual cults. • Shops and taverns unearthed along Lechaion Road display drinking vessels and inscriptions, matching Paul’s list of drunkenness and swindling. • Bema seat in the agora: a reminder of civic tribunals; Paul contrasts human courts with the church’s spiritual authority. Parallel Texts in Paul’s Letters • 2 Corinthians 2:5–11 suggests the offender eventually repented; Paul urges forgiveness—discipline succeeded. • Ephesians 5:3: “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.” • Colossians 3:5: “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity…” Practical Takeaways for Local Congregations • Grieve over sin before celebrating achievements. • Address public sin publicly; keep private offenses private until they become public. • Exclusion aims at rescue, not revenge. • Leaders must act, but the whole church affirms discipline. • Tolerance of clear wrongdoing misrepresents Christ to the world. Connections to Old Testament Passages • Deuteronomy 17:7, 19:19, 22:21 repeat, “You must purge the evil from among you”—the phrase Paul quotes. • Psalm 1 portrays the blessed man avoiding fellowship with sinners—an image Paul echoes regarding table fellowship. • Exodus 12:15, removing leaven, prefigures moral cleansing through the Messiah. Connections to Jesus’ Teaching • Luke 15:20, the father runs to the returning prodigal; discipline always looks for the repentant’s return. • John 13:35, love marks disciples; church discipline is an act of love guarding the witness of the body. Simple Explanation of Key Phrases • “Proud” (v. 2): self-satisfied, boasting in open-mindedness. • “Destruction of the flesh” (v. 5): breaking sinful habits so the inner person can live. • “A little leaven” (v. 6): small compromise affects the whole group. • “Not even to eat” (v. 11): withdraw social acceptance that could blur moral lines. Summary Reflection The chapter jars modern sensibilities, yet its heartbeat is love: love for God’s holiness, for the church’s witness, and for a fallen brother’s salvation. Truth without grace wounds; grace without truth deceives. Paul binds them together, preserving a pure, caring, mission-minded family in Christ. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 18:15-17 Jesus' instructions on dealing with sin within the church community. Galatians 6:1 The call to restore a sinner gently, while being cautious of one's own vulnerability to sin. Hebrews 12:14 The exhortation to pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Teaching Points The Problem of Immorality Paul confronts the Corinthian church about a case of sexual immorality that is not even tolerated among pagans: A man has his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1). This highlights the severity of the sin and the need for immediate action. The Call for Mourning and Action Paul criticizes the Corinthians for their arrogance and calls them to mourn over the sin: And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and removed from your fellowship the man who did this? (1 Corinthians 5:2). This emphasizes the need for a humble and repentant attitude towards sin. The Role of Church Discipline Paul instructs the church to hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:5). This underscores the purpose of church discipline: restoration and salvation. The Influence of Sin Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to illustrate how sin can spread: A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough (1 Corinthians 5:6). This teaches the importance of addressing sin before it affects the entire community. The Call to Purity Paul reminds the Corinthians of their identity in Christ, urging them to keep the festival, not with the old leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:8). This calls believers to live in purity and truth. Practical Applications Examine Personal and Community Holiness Regularly assess both personal and communal life for areas where sin may be taking root and address them promptly. Cultivate a Spirit of Humility and Repentance Approach sin with a heart of mourning and a desire for restoration, rather than pride or indifference. Implement Church Discipline with Love When necessary, practice church discipline with the goal of restoration and the spiritual well-being of the individual and the community. Guard Against the Spread of Sin Be vigilant in identifying and addressing sin to prevent it from influencing others within the community. Live Out Your Identity in Christ Embrace and live out the purity and truth that comes from being a new creation in Christ. People 1. Paul The author of the letter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. He writes to the Corinthian church to address issues of immorality and to provide guidance on how to handle such matters within the church community. 2. The Man Living in Sin This refers to the individual within the Corinthian church who is engaged in an immoral relationship with his father's wife. Paul specifically calls out this behavior as unacceptable and instructs the church to take disciplinary action. The Greek term used here for "immorality" is "πορνεία" (porneia), which encompasses various forms of sexual immorality. 3. The Church at Corinth While not a single person, the church community is addressed collectively. Paul admonishes them for their pride and failure to address the sin in their midst, urging them to remove the immoral person from their fellowship to maintain the purity of the church. 4. Christ, Our Passover Lamb Paul refers to Jesus Christ metaphorically as the Passover Lamb who has been sacrificed. This reference underscores the call for purity and holiness within the church, drawing on the imagery of the Passover in the Hebrew tradition, where the lamb's blood signified deliverance and sanctification. Places 1. Corinth The letter is addressed to the church in Corinth, a major city in ancient Greece known for its wealth and moral challenges. The city was a significant cultural and commercial hub, which influenced the issues Paul addresses in the letter. The Greek root of the name "Corinth" (Κόρινθος, Korinthos) reflects its historical and geographical significance. 2. The Church While not a physical location, the "church" in Corinth is a central focus. It represents the community of believers who are called to live according to Christian teachings amidst a secular environment. The Greek term for church, "ἐκκλησία" (ekklesia), means "assembly" or "gathering," highlighting the communal aspect of the faith. Events 1. Report of Immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1) Paul addresses a report of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church, specifically mentioning a man having relations with his father's wife. The Greek term used here for "sexual immorality" is "πορνεία" (porneia), indicating a broad range of illicit sexual activities. 2. Arrogance of the Church (1 Corinthians 5:2) Paul criticizes the church for being arrogant instead of mourning over the sin. He emphasizes that they should have removed the man from their fellowship. The Greek word "φυσιόω" (physioō) is used for "arrogant," suggesting a sense of being puffed up or proud. 3. Paul's Judgment (1 Corinthians 5:3-5) Although absent in body, Paul declares that he has already judged the man as if he were present. He instructs the church to deliver the man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved. The phrase "deliver to Satan" implies a form of excommunication or handing over to the realm outside the church's protection. 4. The Leaven Metaphor (1 Corinthians 5:6-8) Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to describe how a little sin can affect the whole community. He urges the church to cleanse out the old leaven, symbolizing sin, to become a new, unleavened batch. The Greek word "ζύμη" (zymē) for "leaven" is often used metaphorically in the New Testament to represent corruption or sin. 5. Prohibition of Association (1 Corinthians 5:9-11) Paul clarifies a previous letter, instructing the Corinthians not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, a slanderer, a drunkard, or a swindler. The Greek term "συναναμίγνυμι" (synanamignymi) means to mix or associate closely. 6. Judgment Within the Church (1 Corinthians 5:12-13) Paul distinguishes between judging those inside the church and those outside. He emphasizes that God judges those outside, while the church is responsible for judging its members. He concludes with the directive to "Expel the wicked man from among you," reinforcing the need for church discipline. The Greek word "ἐξαιρέω" (exaireō) is used for "expel," meaning to remove or take out. Lessons from 1 Corinthians 5 1. The Importance of Church Discipline In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a serious issue within the church, emphasizing the need for discipline. He writes, "Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 5:5). This may sound harsh, but it underscores the importance of maintaining purity within the church. Discipline, when done in love, aims to restore and save, not to condemn. 2. The Call to Purity Paul urges the Corinthians to remove the "old leaven" of sin, stating, "Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are" (1 Corinthians 5:7). This metaphor of leaven, or yeast, illustrates how even a small amount of sin can permeate and affect the whole community. We are called to live as new creations, free from the corruption of sin. 3. Christ Our Passover Lamb In the same passage, Paul reminds us that "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7). This powerful imagery connects the sacrifice of Jesus to the Passover, highlighting His role in delivering us from sin. Just as the Israelites were saved by the blood of the lamb, we are saved by the blood of Christ. 4. The Danger of Tolerating Sin Paul warns against tolerating sin within the church, saying, "Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough?" (1 Corinthians 5:6). This serves as a reminder that ignoring sin can lead to greater issues. Addressing sin promptly and biblically helps maintain the health and witness of the church. 5. The Role of Judgment Within the Church While we are often reminded not to judge others, Paul clarifies that there is a place for judgment within the church. He writes, "Are you not to judge those inside?" (1 Corinthians 5:12). This judgment is not about condemnation but about accountability and helping one another grow in holiness. 6. Distinguishing Between Believers and Non-Believers Paul makes a clear distinction between how we interact with believers and non-believers. He advises, "What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church?" (1 Corinthians 5:12). Our focus should be on maintaining purity within the church while showing love and grace to those outside. 7. The Call to Separate from Immorality Paul instructs the Corinthians not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet lives in immorality. He states, "Do not even eat with such a person" (1 Corinthians 5:11). This separation is not about shunning but about encouraging repentance and transformation. 8. The Power of Community Standards The chapter highlights the importance of community standards in maintaining the integrity of the church. By upholding biblical values, we create an environment where spiritual growth can flourish. This collective commitment strengthens our witness to the world. 9. The Goal of Restoration Even in discipline, the ultimate goal is restoration. Paul’s instructions aim to bring the sinner back to a right relationship with God and the church. This reflects the heart of the gospel, which is about redemption and reconciliation. 10. Living as a New Creation Finally, 1 Corinthians 5 calls us to live as new creations in Christ. By removing the old leaven of sin and embracing our identity in Jesus, we reflect His love and holiness to the world. This transformation is a testament to the power of the resurrection and the hope we have in Him. Topics 1. Immorality in the Church The chapter begins with Paul addressing a case of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church. He states, "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife" (1 Corinthians 5:1). The Greek term used here for "sexual immorality" is "πορνεία" (porneia), which broadly refers to illicit sexual conduct. 2. Pride and Tolerance of Sin Paul criticizes the Corinthians for their arrogance and tolerance of this sin, saying, "And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and removed from your fellowship the man who did this?" (1 Corinthians 5:2). The Greek word for "proud" is "πεφυσιωμένοι" (pephysiōmenoi), indicating a sense of being puffed up or arrogant. 3. Judgment and Discipline Paul instructs the church on how to deal with the sinner, emphasizing the need for judgment and discipline: "Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 5:5). The phrase "hand over to Satan" suggests a form of excommunication intended for the ultimate spiritual restoration of the individual. 4. The Purity of the Church Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to illustrate how sin can affect the entire community: "Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?" (1 Corinthians 5:6). The Greek word "ζύμη" (zymē) for "leaven" symbolizes the pervasive nature of sin. 5. Christ Our Passover Lamb Paul reminds the Corinthians of their identity in Christ, urging them to live in sincerity and truth: "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7). The reference to "Passover lamb" connects to the Hebrew concept of the sacrificial lamb in the Passover tradition, symbolizing deliverance and purity. 6. Instructions on Association Paul clarifies his previous instructions about associating with immoral people, distinguishing between those inside and outside the church: "But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat" (1 Corinthians 5:11). The Greek term "συναναμίγνυσθαι" (synanamignysthai) means to mix or associate closely. 7. Judgment Within the Church Paul concludes by emphasizing the responsibility of the church to judge those within its community: "What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?" (1 Corinthians 5:12). The Greek word "κρίνετε" (krinete) for "judge" implies making a discernment or decision regarding conduct. Themes 1. Immorality in the Church The chapter begins with Paul addressing a case of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church, specifically a man having relations with his father's wife. This is described as a sin not even tolerated among pagans (1 Corinthians 5:1). The Greek term used here for immorality is "πορνεία" (porneia), which broadly refers to illicit sexual conduct. 2. Church Discipline Paul emphasizes the need for the church to take action against the immoral behavior by removing the offender from their midst (1 Corinthians 5:2). The Greek word "ἐξαίρω" (exairo) is used, meaning to remove or expel, highlighting the necessity of maintaining purity within the church community. 3. Spiritual Pride and Humility Paul criticizes the Corinthians for being arrogant despite the presence of sin among them (1 Corinthians 5:2). The Greek word "φυσιόω" (physioo) means to be puffed up or proud, indicating a need for humility and self-examination. 4. Purity and the Passover Lamb Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to illustrate how sin can permeate the entire community, urging them to be a new batch without yeast, as they are in Christ (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). He refers to Christ as the Passover Lamb, drawing on the Jewish tradition where leaven symbolizes sin and corruption. 5. Separation from Sin The chapter concludes with Paul instructing the Corinthians not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sinful behavior (1 Corinthians 5:11). The Greek word "συναναμίγνυμι" (synanamignymi) means to mix or associate closely, underscoring the importance of maintaining a distinct separation from sin. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that grieves over sin and seeks God's holiness. Ask for wisdom and courage for church leaders to implement discipline in a loving and restorative manner. Seek God's protection over the community from the spread of sin and for strength to live in purity and truth. Pray for individuals who are struggling with sin, that they may find repentance and restoration in Christ. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can 1 Corinthians 5:1 be historically or archaeologically verified that a man was actually engaging in a relationship with his father’s wife? 2. Why does 1 Corinthians 5:2 call for such severe discipline for sexual immorality, yet other sins seem less emphasized in this passage? 3. Does 1 Corinthians 5:5 contradict New Testament teachings on forgiveness and restoration by delivering someone “to Satan”? 4. How do we reconcile Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 5:9–11 about disassociating with sinners with Jesus’ example of befriending them? 5. Could the cultural context behind 1 Corinthians 5 explain this extreme stance on church discipline, or does it remain problematic by modern ethical standards? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the church today deal with blatant immorality within its ranks? 2. What lessons can we learn from Paul's response to the situation in Corinth? 3. How can we apply the principle of not tolerating "a little leaven" in our personal lives? 4. How does the metaphor of leaven speak to you in maintaining your personal moral integrity? 5. How does this chapter inform the way we approach discipline within the church? 6. How do you reconcile the necessity of judgement within the church with the teaching to "not judge"? 7. What can we learn from this chapter about the Christian's relationship with non-believers? 8. How can we distinguish between judging people within and outside the church in modern day living? 9. How does Paul's instruction about not associating with immoral believers challenge you in your personal relationships? 10. How can we effectively balance grace and discipline in a Christian community? 11. What does it mean to celebrate the feast with "the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth"? 12. How does this chapter guide us in addressing the challenge of maintaining the purity of the church in a morally lax society? 13. How does the command to "remove the evil person from among you" apply to modern church settings? 14. How should we respond when a Christian brother or sister continues in blatant sin? 15. How does the balance between church judgement and God's judgement manifest in your church's teachings? 16. How can we cultivate an environment of accountability, correction, and restoration within our Christian community? 17. How does this chapter inform our approach to dealing with serious sins within our Christian circles? 18. In what ways can we ensure that the church remains 'unleavened' in a world filled with 'leaven'? 19. How does Paul's approach to handling immorality in the church inform your approach to similar situations in your life? 20. What implications does Paul's exhortation have for maintaining personal holiness within the body of believers? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions