It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you
The Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church with a tone of astonishment and disappointment. The phrase "actually reported" suggests that the news of this immorality was widespread and well-known, indicating a serious issue within the church community. Sexual immorality, or "porneia" in Greek, refers to any illicit sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage as defined by Scripture. In the context of Corinth, a city known for its moral laxity and pagan worship practices, such behavior might have been more common, but it was not to be tolerated within the Christian community. This highlights the call for believers to live distinctively holy lives, set apart from the surrounding culture.

and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans
Paul emphasizes the severity of the sin by comparing it to the standards of the non-Christian world. The term "pagans" refers to the Gentiles who were not part of the Jewish or Christian faiths. Even in a city like Corinth, known for its permissive attitudes towards sexual practices, this particular sin was considered unacceptable. This underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for the church to uphold a higher moral standard. The church is called to be a light in the darkness, and tolerating such behavior would compromise its witness.

A man has his father’s wife
This phrase indicates a case of incest, which was explicitly condemned in the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:8, Deuteronomy 22:30). The phrase "his father's wife" suggests that the woman involved was likely the man's stepmother, not his biological mother. This type of relationship was not only against Jewish law but also frowned upon in Roman society. The use of the present tense "has" implies an ongoing relationship, further compounding the sin. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for church discipline and the importance of addressing sin within the community to maintain purity and integrity.

And you are proud!
The Corinthian church was exhibiting a sense of pride despite the presence of sin within their community. This pride could be linked to their misunderstanding of Christian liberty or a false sense of spiritual maturity. In the broader context of 1 Corinthians, Paul frequently addresses issues of arrogance and self-sufficiency (1 Corinthians 4:18-19). Pride is often condemned in Scripture as it leads to a lack of repentance and humility before God (Proverbs 16:18).

Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief
Paul contrasts their pride with the appropriate response of mourning over sin. Grief over sin is a recurring biblical theme, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance (James 4:9). The Greek term used here suggests a deep, emotional sorrow, akin to mourning a death, highlighting the gravity of the situation. This aligns with the biblical call to mourn over sin as seen in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:4).

and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this?
Paul instructs the church to remove the unrepentant sinner from their midst, a practice known as church discipline. This is consistent with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:15-17, where He outlines the process for addressing sin within the church. The purpose of such removal is both to protect the purity of the church and to encourage the sinner to repent. Historically, the early church took communal purity seriously, understanding the church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27) and the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). This action also reflects the Old Testament practice of removing sin from the community to maintain holiness (Deuteronomy 17:7).

Although I am absent from you in body
Paul writes to the Corinthian church from a distance, likely from Ephesus, emphasizing his physical absence. This highlights the early Christian practice of maintaining church discipline and guidance through letters. The geographical distance between Corinth and Ephesus underscores the challenges of communication in the ancient world, yet Paul's authority and concern transcend physical boundaries. This reflects the apostolic authority given to Paul, as seen in Acts 9:15, where he is chosen to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles.

I am present with you in spirit
Paul asserts his spiritual presence, indicating a deep connection with the Corinthian believers despite the physical separation. This phrase suggests the unity of the body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, where believers are interconnected through the Holy Spirit. It also reflects the early church's understanding of spiritual authority and oversight, which transcends physical presence, as seen in Colossians 2:5.

and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this
Paul exercises his apostolic authority to address a case of immorality within the church. This judgment is based on the standards of holiness and purity expected of believers, as outlined in Leviticus 18 and reiterated in the New Testament. The historical context of Corinth, known for its moral laxity, provides a backdrop for the need for such discipline. This action aligns with Jesus' teachings on church discipline in Matthew 18:15-17, emphasizing the need for correction and restoration within the community.

just as if I were present
Paul's statement underscores the seriousness of the situation and his commitment to uphold the integrity of the church. His ability to make judgments from afar demonstrates the spiritual authority granted to him as an apostle. This reflects the early church's reliance on apostolic guidance, as seen in Acts 15, where the Jerusalem Council makes decisions for the broader Christian community. The phrase also points to the timeless nature of apostolic teaching, which continues to guide the church through Scripture.

When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus
This phrase emphasizes the importance of gathering as a community of believers under the authority and lordship of Jesus Christ. In the early church, assemblies were central to worship, teaching, and communal decision-making. The phrase "in the name of our Lord Jesus" signifies acting with His authority and in accordance with His teachings. This reflects the practice of the early church as seen in Acts 2:42, where believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship. The assembly is not merely a social gathering but a sacred meeting with Christ at the center, highlighting the unity and purpose of the church body.

and I am with you in spirit
Paul's assertion of being present "in spirit" underscores the spiritual connection and authority he holds as an apostle, even when physically absent. This reflects the belief in the universal church, where believers are united by the Holy Spirit regardless of physical location. Paul's spiritual presence also implies his apostolic authority and concern for the church's well-being, as seen in other letters like Colossians 2:5, where he expresses joy in their order and steadfastness in faith. This phrase reassures the Corinthians of Paul's ongoing involvement and oversight in their spiritual matters.

along with the power of the Lord Jesus
The mention of "the power of the Lord Jesus" highlights the divine authority and strength available to the church. This power is not merely human but is rooted in the resurrection and lordship of Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:19-21, where Paul speaks of the immeasurable greatness of His power toward believers. This power enables the church to carry out disciplinary actions, make decisions, and overcome spiritual challenges. It serves as a reminder that the church's authority and actions are effective only when aligned with and empowered by Christ's divine power, ensuring that all is done for His glory and according to His will.

hand this man over to Satan
This phrase refers to a form of church discipline where an unrepentant sinner is expelled from the Christian community. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses a case of sexual immorality that was not being dealt with by the church. The act of handing someone over to Satan implies removing them from the protective fellowship of the church, exposing them to the world where Satan has influence. This is similar to the situation in 1 Timothy 1:20, where Paul speaks of Hymenaeus and Alexander being handed over to Satan to learn not to blaspheme. The goal is corrective, not punitive, aiming for repentance and restoration.

for the destruction of the flesh
The "destruction of the flesh" can be understood as allowing the sinful nature or carnal desires to be dealt with through the consequences of sin. This does not necessarily mean physical harm but rather the breaking down of sinful habits and desires. In Galatians 5:24, Paul speaks of those who belong to Christ having crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. The hope is that through experiencing the consequences of sin, the individual will turn back to God.

so that his spirit may be saved
The ultimate goal of this disciplinary action is the salvation of the individual's spirit. This reflects the redemptive purpose behind church discipline, emphasizing restoration and reconciliation with God. It aligns with the broader biblical theme of God desiring all to come to repentance, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9. The focus is on eternal salvation rather than temporal punishment.

on the Day of the Lord
The "Day of the Lord" is a term used throughout Scripture to refer to a future time of God's judgment and salvation. In the New Testament, it often points to the return of Christ and the final judgment. This phrase underscores the eschatological perspective of Paul's teaching, reminding believers of the ultimate accountability before God. It connects to passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:2, where the Day of the Lord is described as coming like a thief in the night, urging believers to live in readiness and holiness.

Your boasting is not good.
In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the Corinthian church's pride and arrogance, particularly regarding their tolerance of sin within the community. The church was boasting about their spiritual gifts and knowledge, yet they were ignoring serious moral failings. This reflects a broader biblical theme where pride precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18). The Corinthian church's attitude contrasts with the humility and repentance that God desires (James 4:6). Historically, Corinth was a wealthy and cosmopolitan city, known for its immorality, which may have influenced the church's behavior. This phrase serves as a warning against complacency and self-righteousness.

Do you not know that a little leaven
Leaven, or yeast, is often used in Scripture as a metaphor for sin or corruption due to its pervasive nature. In Jewish culture, leaven was removed from homes during Passover to symbolize purity and separation from sin (Exodus 12:15). Jesus also used leaven to describe the corrupting influence of the Pharisees' teachings (Matthew 16:6). Here, Paul uses it to illustrate how even a small amount of tolerated sin can affect the entire community. This metaphor underscores the need for vigilance and purity within the church.

works through the whole batch of dough?
The imagery of leaven working through dough emphasizes the insidious and pervasive nature of sin. Just as a small amount of yeast affects the entire batch, unchecked sin can spread and corrupt the whole church. This concept is echoed in Galatians 5:9, where Paul warns that "a little leaven leavens the whole lump." The process of leavening is gradual but inevitable, highlighting the importance of addressing sin promptly and decisively. This phrase calls the church to maintain holiness and integrity, reflecting the purity of Christ, who is the true unleavened bread (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Get rid of the old leaven
In biblical times, leaven, or yeast, was a common metaphor for sin and corruption. The Apostle Paul uses this imagery to instruct the Corinthian church to remove sinful influences from their community. This echoes the Jewish practice during Passover, where all leaven is removed from homes, symbolizing a break from past sins and a fresh start. The "old leaven" refers to the sinful behaviors and attitudes that were prevalent in the Corinthian church, such as immorality and division. This call to purification is consistent with the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from sin, as seen in passages like Exodus 12:15 and Galatians 5:9.

that you may be a new unleavened batch
Paul encourages the Corinthians to become a "new unleavened batch," symbolizing purity and holiness. This transformation is not just a call to moral improvement but a reminder of their identity in Christ. The imagery of unleavened bread connects to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately follows Passover, where Israelites ate bread without yeast to commemorate their hasty departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:17-20). This new identity is a call to live in accordance with the new life they have received through Christ, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.

as you really are
Paul emphasizes that the Corinthians are already positionally pure in Christ. This statement underscores the theological concept of justification, where believers are declared righteous through faith in Jesus. Despite their struggles with sin, Paul reminds them of their true identity as sanctified and set apart for God. This assurance is rooted in the finished work of Christ, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 5:17, which affirm the believer's new creation status.

For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed
This phrase draws a direct parallel between Jesus and the Passover lamb, a central element of the Jewish Passover celebration. The Passover lamb was sacrificed to protect the Israelites from the final plague in Egypt, as described in Exodus 12:21-27. By referring to Christ as the Passover lamb, Paul highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus' death, which provides deliverance from sin and eternal death. This typology is further explored in John 1:29, where John the Baptist calls Jesus "the Lamb of God," and in 1 Peter 1:19, which describes Christ as a lamb without blemish or defect. This connection underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the continuity of God's redemptive plan through Jesus.

Therefore let us keep the feast
This phrase refers to the Christian call to celebrate life in Christ, drawing from the Jewish tradition of Passover. The Passover feast commemorates Israel's deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing liberation from sin through Christ's sacrifice. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to live in a continual state of spiritual celebration, reflecting the new life they have in Christ. This aligns with the idea of the Church as a new covenant community, celebrating the fulfillment of the Passover in Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

not with the old bread
The "old bread" symbolizes the former way of life before accepting Christ. In Jewish tradition, leaven (yeast) is often associated with sin and corruption because it permeates and changes the nature of the dough. Paul uses this metaphor to urge believers to abandon their old sinful habits and embrace a new life in Christ. This is consistent with the call to put off the old self and put on the new self, as seen in Ephesians 4:22-24.

leavened with malice and wickedness
Here, "malice and wickedness" represent the sinful attitudes and behaviors that characterized the believers' lives before conversion. Malice refers to ill will or the desire to harm others, while wickedness encompasses broader immoral actions. Paul warns against allowing these elements to infiltrate the Christian community, as they can corrupt and destroy the unity and purity of the Church. This echoes the warning against the "leaven of the Pharisees," which is hypocrisy (Luke 12:1).

but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth
In contrast, "unleavened bread" symbolizes purity and holiness. Sincerity implies genuine, heartfelt devotion without pretense, while truth denotes alignment with God's word and reality. Paul calls believers to embody these virtues, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel. This aligns with Jesus' teaching that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). The imagery of unleavened bread also connects to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately follows Passover, emphasizing the call to holiness and separation from sin.

I wrote you in my letter
This phrase indicates that Paul had previously communicated with the Corinthian church through another letter, which is not part of the New Testament canon. This suggests that Paul's correspondence with the Corinthians was ongoing and that he was addressing specific issues within the church. The existence of this earlier letter highlights the importance of understanding the context and the ongoing relationship between Paul and the Corinthian believers. It also underscores the pastoral care Paul had for the churches he established, as he continued to guide them even from a distance.

not to associate
The term "associate" implies a level of fellowship or close relationship. In the context of the early church, association would have included sharing meals, worship, and communal activities. The instruction not to associate is a call for the church to maintain purity and holiness, reflecting the call to be separate from sin. This echoes Old Testament principles where Israel was instructed to be distinct from the surrounding nations (Leviticus 20:26). The idea is not to completely isolate from the world but to avoid intimate connections that could lead to moral compromise.

with sexually immoral people
Sexual immorality, or "porneia" in Greek, encompasses a range of illicit sexual behaviors outside the bounds of biblical marriage. In the Greco-Roman world, sexual immorality was rampant and often intertwined with pagan religious practices. The Corinthian church, situated in a city known for its moral laxity, faced significant challenges in maintaining sexual purity. This instruction aligns with the broader biblical teaching on sexual ethics, as seen in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 and Ephesians 5:3. It also reflects the call to holiness found throughout Scripture, where believers are urged to live lives that honor God, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16.

I was not including the sexually immoral of this world
Paul clarifies that his previous instructions were not meant to apply to non-believers. The term "sexually immoral" refers to those engaging in practices contrary to biblical teachings on sexuality. In the Greco-Roman world, sexual immorality was prevalent, often linked to pagan worship and societal norms. Paul distinguishes between the church's internal discipline and the broader societal context, emphasizing the need for the church to maintain its moral standards without isolating itself from the world.

or the greedy and swindlers
Greed and swindling were common in the commercial centers of the ancient world, such as Corinth, a city known for its wealth and trade. These behaviors are condemned throughout Scripture (e.g., Proverbs 15:27, Luke 12:15) as they reflect a heart turned away from God and towards materialism. Paul highlights these sins to show that the church must engage with the world while maintaining its integrity and witness.

or idolaters
Idolatry was rampant in Corinth, a city filled with temples and altars to various gods. The worship of idols is consistently condemned in the Bible (e.g., Exodus 20:3-5, 1 John 5:21) as it represents a rejection of the one true God. Paul acknowledges that Christians live in a world where idolatry is common, yet they are called to remain faithful to God amidst such influences.

In that case you would have to leave this world
Paul uses hyperbole to illustrate that complete separation from sinners in the world is impractical. Christians are called to be in the world but not of it (John 17:15-16), engaging with society while upholding God's standards. This phrase underscores the mission of the church to be a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16), interacting with the world to share the gospel and demonstrate Christ's love.

But now I am writing you
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church with authority as an apostle. This letter serves as a corrective measure for issues within the church. The phrase indicates a shift from previous instructions, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the message. Paul’s letters often address specific problems, reflecting his pastoral concern and apostolic authority.

not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother
The term "brother" refers to someone who professes to be a Christian. Paul is concerned with the integrity of the church community. The instruction to not associate is a form of church discipline aimed at maintaining purity within the church. This echoes Jesus' teachings in Matthew 18:15-17 about dealing with sin among believers.

but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler
Paul lists specific sins that were prevalent in Corinth, a city known for its moral laxity and diverse religious practices. Sexual immorality was rampant, and greed was common in a prosperous trade city. Idolatry was a significant issue due to the presence of many pagan temples. Verbal abuse, drunkenness, and swindling reflect behaviors that disrupt community harmony and contradict Christian values. These sins are also mentioned in other Pauline epistles, such as Galatians 5:19-21, highlighting their seriousness.

With such a man do not even eat
Eating together in the ancient world was a sign of fellowship and acceptance. By instructing believers not to eat with such individuals, Paul emphasizes the need for clear boundaries between the church and those who persist in sin. This aligns with the Jewish practice of social separation from those considered unclean or sinful, as seen in the Old Testament. The goal is both to protect the church's witness and to encourage repentance in the individual.

What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church?
Paul addresses the Corinthian church, emphasizing the distinction between the church and the world. In the Greco-Roman context, the church was a minority group with distinct beliefs and practices. Paul underscores that the church's primary responsibility is to maintain its own purity and integrity, rather than imposing its standards on those who do not share its faith. This reflects Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-5 about not judging others hypocritically. The church is called to be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16), but it is not tasked with judging those who are not part of the faith community.

Are you not to judge those inside?
Paul insists that the church has a responsibility to hold its members accountable to the standards of Christian conduct. This internal judgment is necessary for maintaining the holiness and witness of the church. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-11, Paul addresses a case of immorality within the church, urging the community to take corrective action. This reflects the principle of church discipline found in Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus outlines steps for addressing sin among believers. The goal of such judgment is restoration and reconciliation, not condemnation, aligning with the redemptive work of Christ.

God will judge those outside.
This phrase emphasizes the distinction between the responsibilities of the church and the sovereignty of God. In the context of 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses the issue of immorality within the church at Corinth. The church is responsible for maintaining purity within its own community, while God is the ultimate judge of those outside the church. This reflects the biblical principle found in Romans 12:19, where believers are reminded that vengeance belongs to God. The phrase also underscores the idea that the church should focus on internal discipline rather than judging the world, aligning with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-5 about not judging hypocritically.

“Expel the wicked man from among you.”
This directive is a call for church discipline, specifically the removal of a member engaged in unrepentant sin. The phrase echoes Old Testament instructions found in passages like Deuteronomy 17:7, where the community is instructed to purge evil from among them. The purpose of such discipline is twofold: to protect the purity of the church and to encourage the sinner to repent and be restored, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, where Paul discusses the restoration of a previously disciplined individual. This action serves as a type of Christ's ultimate judgment and purification of His church, as described in Ephesians 5:25-27, where Christ presents the church as holy and blameless. The cultural context of Corinth, known for its moral laxity, highlights the necessity of such measures to maintain the church's distinctiveness and witness in a pagan society.