1 Corinthians 5:4-5
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What's often overlooked is the dual presence the Apostle Paul is talking about. He's not just saying he's spiritually there; he's linking his spiritual presence directly to the empowering presence of Jesus when the community gathers. It highlights that true spiritual authority in the church isn't just about leaders being present, but about Jesus Himself being tangibly at work.
When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a deeply disturbing situation in the Corinthian church where a man is openly living with his stepmother. This letter is a strong rebuke, and he's calling them to spiritual discipline and purity, reminding them that their gatherings should be marked by Christ's presence and authority. The specific instructions about the Lord's Supper and confronting the sin in their midst directly precede and follow this declaration of spiritual presence.
When we come together as believers, it's not just a casual meetup. There's a divine purpose and power at play.
Paul starts by describing the context: the church gathering. But he emphasizes it's not just any gathering. It's specifically "in the name of the Lord Jesus." This phrase means more than just invoking His name; it signifies gathering with His authority, His presence, and His mission as the core reason for assembling. It’s a gathering for Him and by Him, where His Lordship is acknowledged and active.
The church's strength doesn't come from its members alone, but from the very power of Christ.
Paul connects the assembly "in the name of the Lord Jesus" with "my spirit" and "the power of our Lord Jesus." He's saying that even though he is physically absent, his spiritual presence, guided by the Holy Spirit, is with them. More importantly, he points to the active, dynamic "power of our Lord Jesus" as the force that should define their gathering and actions. This isn't just about being together; it's about being together empowered by Christ's own spiritual energy to live out His will.
Understand the original words
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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.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
The act of handing someone over to the adversary; in church discipline, it represents excluding an unrepentant believer from the protective fellowship of the local body, thereby exposing them to the influence of the world and the consequences of their sin.
sarx · Greek Noun
Referring to the physical life or the sinful nature; in this context, it pertains to the worldly or corrupt aspects of human existence that are subject to divine discipline for the purpose of mortification.
pneuma · Greek Noun
The immaterial part of human beings, created by God and capable of life in communion with Him; it is the aspect of the human being that is preserved and redeemed through Christ.
hēmera tou kyriou · Greek Noun Phrase
The time of Christ's final return, associated with the final judgment, the vindication of believers, and the establishment of God’s kingdom in its fullness.
The verse highlights the tension between the physical absence of the apostle and his spiritual presence, a concept crucial for believers in a time without instantaneous communication, underscoring the authority of Christ's power in church discipline.
c. AD 50-52
Paul Founds Church in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes the Christian church in Corinth during his missionary journey, facing significant opposition but also seeing many believe.
c. AD 53-55
Paul Writes First Letter to Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthian believers from Ephesus, addressing numerous issues that had arisen within the church.
c. AD 55— this verse
Church Gathering and Immorality Issue
The church in Corinth is assembling, but a member is living in open sexual immorality with his stepmother, a situation Paul addresses directly in this letter.
c. AD 55
Paul's Instruction on Discipline
Paul instructs the church to gather in the name of the Lord Jesus, with his spirit present, to deal with the unrepentant sinner by removing him from their fellowship.
c. AD 55
Theological Basis for Discipline
Paul grounds his disciplinary instructions in the power of the Lord Jesus, emphasizing that true spiritual authority resides in Christ.
This passage directly follows and contextualizes the verse, emphasizing the need to 'not associate' with those practicing sexual immorality within the church community.
Matthew 18:20Jesus promises His presence when believers gather in His name, echoing the spiritual gathering described in 1 Corinthians 5:4.
2 Corinthians 2:10Paul speaks of forgiving someone in the presence of Christ, showing how the assembled community's actions are viewed through the lens of Christ's authority and presence.
Acts 16:25Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God in prison, demonstrating that even in difficult circumstances, the Lord's presence and power are with believers when they gather in His name.
What's often overlooked is the dual presence the Apostle Paul is talking about. He's not just saying he's spiritually there; he's linking his spiritual presence directly to the empowering presence of Jesus when the community gathers. It highlights that true spiritual authority in the church isn't just about leaders being present, but about Jesus Himself being tangibly at work.
Paul is addressing a deeply disturbing situation in the Corinthian church where a man is openly living with his stepmother. This letter is a strong rebuke, and he's calling them to spiritual discipline and purity, reminding them that their gatherings should be marked by Christ's presence and authority. The specific instructions about the Lord's Supper and confronting the sin in their midst directly precede and follow this declaration of spiritual presence.
Paul is addressing a deeply disturbing situation in the Corinthian church where a man is openly living with his stepmother. This letter is a strong rebuke, and he's calling them to spiritual discipline and purity, reminding them that their gatherings should be marked by Christ's presence and authority. The specific instructions about the Lord's Supper and confronting the sin in their midst directly precede and follow this declaration of spiritual presence.
"When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord." — What's often overlooked is the dual presence the Apostle Paul is talking about. He's not just saying he's spiritually there; he's linking his spiritual presence directly to the *empowering presence…
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Last reviewed October 2026
