1. omnino auditur inter vos fornicatio et talis fornicatio qualis nec inter gentes ita ut uxorem patris aliquis habeat
2. et vos inflati estis et non magis luctum habuistis ut tollatur de medio vestrum qui hoc opus fecit
3. ego quidem absens corpore præsens autem spiritu jam judicavi ut præsens eum qui sic operatus est
4. in nomine Domini nostri Jesu Christi congregatis vobis et meo spiritu cum virtute Domini Jesu
5. tradere hujusmodi Satanæ in interitum carnis ut spiritus salvus sit in die Domini Jesu
6. non bona gloriatio vestra nescitis quia modicum fermentum totam massam corrumpit
7. expurgate vetus fermentum ut sitis nova consparsio sicut estis azymi etenim pascha nostrum immolatus est Christus
8. itaque epulemur non in fermento veteri neque in fermento malitiæ et nequitiæ sed in azymis sinceritatis et veritatis
9. scripsi vobis in epistula ne commisceamini fornicariis
10. non utique fornicariis hujus mundi aut avaris aut rapacibus aut idolis servientibus alioquin debueratis de hoc mundo exisse
11. nunc autem scripsi vobis non commisceri si is qui frater nominatur est fornicator aut avarus aut idolis serviens aut maledicus aut ebriosus aut rapax cum ejusmodi nec cibum sumere
12. quid enim mihi de his qui foris sunt judicare nonne de his qui intus sunt vos judicatis
13. nam eos qui foris sunt Deus judicabit auferte malum ex vobis ipsis
Footnotes:
5:1-2 - Paul denounces a case of immorality in the church at Corinth, where a man was living with his father's wife. Tolerance of sin within the church is unacceptable, and correction is necessary to maintain the purity of the community (see also Leviticus 18:8 and Matthew 18:15-17).
5:3-5 - Paul instructs the excommunication of the sinner, handing him over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord. This highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for church discipline (see also 1 Timothy 1:20 and Matthew 7:5).
5:6-8 - Paul warns that a little leaven leavens the whole lump, symbolizing how sin can spread and corrupt a community. He exhorts Christians to live like unleavened bread, maintaining their holiness (see also Galatians 5:9 and 1 Peter 1:13-16).
5:9-13 - Paul clarifies that excommunication should apply to the immoral within the church, but not to those outside the faith, for the church's responsibility is to its members. God's judgment on those outside is a reality (see also Matthew 7:1-2 and Luke 6:37).
Verses related to Epistula I ad Corinthios, 5:
1 Corinthians chapter 5 deals with church discipline. How to deal with blatant sin in the Christian community? Paul addresses a case of sexual immorality, rebuking the church for its tolerance. He orders the exclusion of the offender, explaining the need to "purify the old yeast." The text emphasizes the importance of collective holiness and establishes principles for the internal judgment of the church. Analyze with us five biblical passages that illuminate the fundamental concepts of this impactful chapter.
2 Corinthians 2:5-8: "If anyone has caused sadness, it has not only been caused to me, but, in part, not to be too harsh, to all of you. The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient. Now, on the contrary, you must forgive him and console him [...]" - Provides additional context for the situation discussed in 1 Corinthians 5 regarding church discipline.
Matthew 18:15-17: "If your brother sins against you, go and, alone with him, show him his error. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he doesn't listen to you, take one or two others with you [...] If he refuses to listen to you, tell the church; and if he refuses to listen also to the church, treat him as a pagan or a tax collector." - Complements Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 5 on how to deal with sin in the church.
Galatians 5:9: "A little yeast leavens the entire dough." - Quoted from 1 Corinthians 5:6, illustrating how sin can spread in the community.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15: "If anyone does not obey our instruction given in this letter, mark him and do not associate with him, so that he will feel ashamed. However, do not consider him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." - It relates to 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 on how to treat disobedient church members.
Titus 3:10-11: "As for the one who causes divisions, warn him once and then again. After that, reject it. You know that such a person has become perverted and is sinning; It is condemned by itself." - Complements Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 5 on how to deal with problem people in the church.
FAQ:
What does Paul say about sexual immorality in the Church?
Paul severely rebukes sexual immorality in the church and instructs that those who practice such sins be removed from fellowship for the preservation of holiness. (1 Corinthians 5:1-5)
Why does Paul recommend excommunication of the immoral man?
He teaches that excommunication is intended to restore the sinner by removing evil from the Church and preserving its purity and holiness. (1 Corinthians 5:6-13)
What does Paul mean by "purifying the old lump"?
Paul uses the metaphor of dough to illustrate how the church must purify itself from sin, removing the leaven of immorality, in order to be like Christ. (1 Corinthians 5:6-8)
What does Paul teach about judgment in the Church?
Paul explains that it is the church's responsibility to judge internal sins, but that it should not judge those outside the community, as that is God's responsibility. (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)
What is the purpose of church discipline, according to Paul?
Discipline aims at the restoration of the sinner and the preservation of the purity of the Church, always seeking repentance and reconciliation. (1 Corinthians 5:5)
