Bible Question: Explain Chapter 5 |
Bible Answer: Greetings Racersedge! Basically, 1 Cor. 5 deals with two problems. a) A man (a beliver in the church at Cornith) was apparently involved sexually with his step-mother (v. 1). I say step-mother because she is called his father's wife and not his mother. No one knows whether or not the father was still alive at this time. This is a sin according to Lev. 18:8 and there is some evidence that even the Roman world considered this to be immoral. b) The church at Cornith was not addressing the sin at all. In fact, they were proud out it for some unknown reason (v. 2). In the remainder of the chapter, Paul gives some general instructions concerning sinning members and some specific directions concerning this particular man. 1) In general, he says that "a little yeast works through the whole dough" (v. 5). I am familiar with this concept since I have 15 years experience as a baker. Therefore, he insists in verses 9 through 11 that churches should not have fellowship with those who are immoral. This would be a unique concept in today's world! 2) In particular, he insists that this man be expelled from the church (v. 13). Verse 5 is hotly debated. Some modern theories say, a) that the man had some disease. b) that Paul expected him to be put to death. The traditional view though is that he was to be expelled from the protection and fellowship of the church with the goal of bringing him back to God. In fact, there are some who believe that 2 Cor. 2:5-11 may refer to this very man! Whatever v. 5 means, the overall message is clear. The church cannot tolerate blatant immorality among it's members. I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |