1 Corinthians 5:1
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
1 Corinthians 5:1
Paul addresses a shocking situation in the church: a man compounding sexual immorality—“such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles”—with his father’s wife. This isn’t standard adultery but a violation of familial and communal norms that would shock Gentiles and Jews alike. The Corinthians’ response—apathetic tolerance and self-congratulation—exposes a church more concerned with status and comfort than with purity and holiness. Paul corrects not by pointing fingers alone but by grounding discipline in the broader gospel: God’s holiness and the call to be a holy people.
This verse foregrounds the church’s calling to holiness and community discernment. Sin that undermines relationships and the gospel’s integrity must be addressed. It highlights the authority of church leadership in safeguarding the community’s moral boundaries for the sake of witness and spiritual health. The broader theological theme is sanctification: God’s people are set apart, not because of legalistic rules, but because of union with Christ and the Spirit’s work transforming desires and behaviors.
How should a modern faith community respond to serious sin? With courageous, compassionate discernment that protects vulnerable members while aiming for repentance and restoration. Practical steps include clear boundaries, accountability pairs, and restorative processes that involve the whole church if necessary. This isn’t about shaming but about steering the community toward purity that honors Christ and preserves a credible witness to the world. Individuals should examine their own boundaries and ensure their personal conduct aligns with the gospel, recognizing the safety and trust required in any healing process.
Cross-References
- Leviticus 18:8
- 2 Corinthians 12:21
- Ephesians 5:3
- Hebrews 12:14