1 Corinthians 5:1
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What’s striking here is Paul’s shock that this kind of behavior, a man marrying his stepmother, is considered worse than what pagans – people outside of God's covenant – would ever allow. It reveals a startling depth of impurity within the Corinthian church that had somehow desensitized them to even the most basic standards of morality understood by the world around them.
Paul is addressing a church in Corinth that's struggling with serious issues, particularly disunity and a lack of moral discipline. This verse kicks off a section where he confronts a deeply disturbing situation: a man is openly living with his stepmother, a practice so scandalous it's not even condoned by non-believers, and the church seems to be letting it slide. This sets the stage for Paul's urgent call to action, demanding they purge this evil from their midst and live in a way that reflects Christ.
Paul doesn't hold back in 1 Corinthians 5. He addresses a situation so grievous it made even non-believers shake their heads.
A Scandalous Situation
Paul starts with a serious report: there's sexual immorality within the Corinthian church. But it's not just any kind of immorality; it's unheard of even among the surrounding pagan cultures.
What Was So Bad?
The specific sin? A man is living with his father's wife. This likely refers to his stepmother, a relationship strictly forbidden by Levitical law (Leviticus 18:8, 20:11).
This wasn't a private, hidden sin. It was open and unaddressed, causing a major scandal and bringing shame upon the name of Christ. The church’s inaction was as alarming as the act itself.
Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is also the most necessary. Paul calls the Corinthians to a painful but crucial act of discipline.
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The Scandal of Inaction
Paul’s primary concern isn't just the sin itself, but the church's response to it. They were apparently tolerating, or perhaps even boasting about, this deeply offensive behavior. This inaction was enabling the sin and damaging the church's witness.
Deliver Him to Satan
Paul’s directive is stark: 'hand this man over to Satan' (verse 5). This wasn't about wishing him harm, but about recognizing that apart from the protective community of the church, he was exposed to the destructive power of sin and Satan's influence. The goal was ultimate repentance and restoration.
This is church discipline – a painful but loving act designed to purify the community and bring the sinner back to God.
Understand the original words
porneia · Greek Noun
A general term covering a wide range of illicit sexual behaviors, including adultery, incest, and prostitution, violating the biblical standard for purity. It is considered a sin against one's own body and a disruption of the community's holiness.
The church in Corinth was relatively new and composed of people from diverse backgrounds, including former pagans. This context helps explain why they were struggling with deeply ingrained cultural practices and how difficult it was to establish new, godly norms.
c. AD 44-49
Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul, Silas, and Timothy set out to revisit churches established during the first journey and spread the Gospel into new regions, including Corinth.
c. AD 50-52
Founding of the Corinthian Church
Paul spends about 18 months in Corinth, establishing a vibrant, diverse church. He teaches and preaches, laying the foundation for this community.
c. AD 55— this verse
Letter Written to the Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul writes this letter, his first canonical letter to the Corinthian church. He addresses divisions, immorality, and doctrinal issues reported to him.
c. AD 56
Paul Visits Corinth
Paul makes a brief, sorrowful visit to Corinth, which is often referred to as his 'painful visit.' He sees firsthand some of the problems he addressed in writing.
c. AD 56-57
Writing of 2 Corinthians
Paul writes his second canonical letter to the Corinthians, likely from Macedonia. This letter follows up on the issues raised in 1 Corinthians and discusses his ministry and authority.
This passage directly addresses the prohibition against a man having his father's wife, highlighting the deep-seated impurity of the sin mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:1.
Deuteronomy 27:20This verse pronounces a curse on anyone who lies with his father's wife, underscoring the severity of this particular sexual sin within the Old Testament law.
1 Corinthians 5:11Paul explicitly commands the Corinthian church to expel the man who committed this sin, reinforcing the urgency and seriousness with which the church should deal with such immorality.
Galatians 5:19-21This passage lists 'sexual immorality' as a work of the flesh that excludes people from the Kingdom of God, placing the sin in 1 Corinthians 5 within a broader context of behaviors that grieve the Holy Spirit.
What’s striking here is Paul’s shock that this kind of behavior, a man marrying his stepmother, is considered worse than what pagans – people outside of God's covenant – would ever allow. It reveals a startling depth of impurity within the Corinthian church that had somehow desensitized them to even the most basic standards of morality understood by the world around them.
Paul is addressing a church in Corinth that's struggling with serious issues, particularly disunity and a lack of moral discipline. This verse kicks off a section where he confronts a deeply disturbing situation: a man is openly living with his stepmother, a practice so scandalous it's not even condoned by non-believers, and the church seems to be letting it slide. This sets the stage for Paul's urgent call to action, demanding they purge this evil from their midst and live in a way that reflects Christ.
Paul is addressing a church in Corinth that's struggling with serious issues, particularly disunity and a lack of moral discipline. This verse kicks off a section where he confronts a deeply disturbing situation: a man is openly living with his stepmother, a practice so scandalous it's not even condoned by non-believers, and the church seems to be letting it slide. This sets the stage for Paul's urgent call to action, demanding they purge this evil from their midst and live in a way that reflects Christ.
"It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife." — What’s striking here is Paul’s shock that this kind of behavior, a man marrying his stepmother, is considered worse than what pagans – people outside of God's covenant – would ever allow. It reveal…
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