1 Corinthians Chapter 5 — Purity and Discipline
Paul addresses a specific case of immorality in the Corinthian church, urging the community to exercise discipline and maintain moral purity.
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Notable Verses
1 Corinthians 5:6
“Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?”
Paul uses the metaphor of yeast to explain how sin can spread and impact an entire community if not addressed.
1 Corinthians 5:7
“Purge 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.”
This verse connects the concept of purity with the sacrifice of Jesus, identifying Him as the Passover fulfillment.
Chapter Summary
In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul confronts the Corinthian church regarding reports of a man living in sexual immorality with his father's wife. Paul expresses disappointment that the church has remained arrogant instead of mourning the situation. He instructs them to gather together and remove the individual from their fellowship, delivering him to Satan so that his spirit might ultimately be saved. Paul uses the metaphor of yeast to illustrate how a small amount of sin can corrupt the entire congregation. He emphasizes that while Christians should not withdraw from the world entirely, they must hold fellow believers accountable. The chapter concludes with a call to judge those within the church while leaving the judgment of those outside to God, quoting the Old Testament instruction to put away the wicked man from among them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul is addressing a report of sexual immorality where a man in the church is living with his father's wife. Paul is concerned that the church has been proud of their tolerance instead of dealing with the sin.
This refers to removing an unrepentant person from the church fellowship and its spiritual protection. The goal is the destruction of the flesh so that the person's spirit might be saved through eventual repentance.
Paul states that the church is responsible for judging those within the community—fellow believers—to maintain purity. He clarifies that they are not to judge those outside the church, as God handles their judgment.
Study Note
The reference to 'Christ, our Passover' in verse 7 links the Christian life to the Jewish festival of Passover and the removal of leaven from homes.
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