1 Corinthians 5:4
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Notice how Paul doesn't just talk about being assembled, but how they are to be assembled: "in the name of the Lord Jesus." This isn't just a casual get-together; it's a gathering empowered by Christ's very presence and authority, not just their own intentions. It's a powerful reminder that the way we gather matters as much as who we gather with.
When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a deeply disturbing situation in the Corinthian church: a man is living with his father's wife, a blatant sin that would have been scandalous even in the wider Roman culture. He's telling them that when they gather together, they need to act with spiritual authority, not just ignore this sin as if it's not happening, because the Lord Jesus is truly present with them. This sets the stage for his instructions on how to deal with this man and purify the community from sin.
When believers gather, it's not just a social event. Something profound happens when we assemble with Jesus as the reason.
Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians why they are meeting: "in the name of the Lord Jesus." This isn't just a casual mention; it signifies gathering under His authority and for His glory. When we come together as the church, our collective focus should be on Christ. Our meetings gain their true power and purpose not from the attendees, but from the One whose name unites us.
Paul doesn't just mention Jesus' name; he speaks of His power being present. What does that look like when the church gathers?
The phrase 'with the power of our Lord Jesus' points to the active, dynamic presence of Christ through His Holy Spirit when believers are gathered rightly. This isn't about human charisma or planned programs, but about God's inherent power working among His people. This divine enablement is what equips the church to deal with sin and live out the Gospel, even in difficult situations.
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dynamis · Greek Noun
The divine authority, efficacy, and capacity of God to effect change, perform miracles, or bring about discipline. It is the active presence of Christ’s reign and sovereignty at work among His people.
The church in Corinth was a young, vibrant community facing immense challenges in a morally complex Roman city. Paul's letter reflects his urgent concern to guide them toward true Christian living, even when dealing with deeply painful issues.
c. AD 48-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul establishes the church in Corinth during his initial missionary efforts in Greece.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends a significant amount of time in Corinth, strengthening the new believers and addressing foundational issues.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
While ministering in Ephesus, Paul receives troubling reports about the Corinthian church.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul pens this letter to address serious divisions, immorality, and doctrinal errors within the Corinthian church.
c. AD 57
Disciplinary Action Urged
Paul instructs the church to exercise church discipline, specifically concerning a man living with his stepmother, and to expel him from their fellowship.
This passage echoes the idea that Jesus is truly present when believers gather, emphasizing His authority and power over the assembled community.
Acts 2:42It highlights the early church's devotion to gathering together, which implicitly included an expectation of spiritual presence and apostolic authority, much like Paul asserts here.
1 Corinthians 5:1-3This immediately preceding context shows Paul exercising spiritual authority over the Corinthian church's behavior, making his declaration of presence and power in verse 4 a direct consequence of their need for his guidance.
2 Corinthians 13:3Paul directly addresses the Corinthians again, questioning if they want proof of the 'Christ speaking through me,' which parallels the assertion of Christ's power being present through him in this passage.
Notice how Paul doesn't just talk about being assembled, but how they are to be assembled: "in the name of the Lord Jesus." This isn't just a casual get-together; it's a gathering empowered by Christ's very presence and authority, not just their own intentions. It's a powerful reminder that the way we gather matters as much as who we gather with.
Paul is addressing a deeply disturbing situation in the Corinthian church: a man is living with his father's wife, a blatant sin that would have been scandalous even in the wider Roman culture. He's telling them that when they gather together, they need to act with spiritual authority, not just ignore this sin as if it's not happening, because the Lord Jesus is truly present with them. This sets the stage for his instructions on how to deal with this man and purify the community from sin.
Paul is addressing a deeply disturbing situation in the Corinthian church: a man is living with his father's wife, a blatant sin that would have been scandalous even in the wider Roman culture. He's telling them that when they gather together, they need to act with spiritual authority, not just ignore this sin as if it's not happening, because the Lord Jesus is truly present with them. This sets the stage for his instructions on how to deal with this man and purify the community from sin.
"When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus," — Notice how Paul doesn't just talk about being assembled, but how they are to be assembled: "in the name of the Lord Jesus." This isn't just a casual get-together; it's a gathering empowered by Ch…
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Last reviewed October 2026
