Meaning of 1 Corinthians 5:13

This verse, 1 Corinthians 5:13, is the concluding statement of Paul's instruction to the Corinthian church regarding a severe case of sexual immorality within their community, specifically the case of a man living with his father's wife. Paul asserts that the church has the authority and responsibility to deal with unrepentant sin within its membership, as evidenced by their obedience to his earlier command in verse 5 to "hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord." The verse then quotes and applies Deuteronomy 17:7 and 21:21, which mandated the expulsion of wicked individuals from Israelite communities to maintain the purity and integrity of the covenant people. This directive is not about the church acting as judge in a final, eschatological sense, but rather as a disciplinary body exercising righteous judgment over its own members, thereby safeguarding the community's witness and holiness.

Context and Background

The immediate context is the incestuous relationship within the Corinthian church, which Paul describes as a scandal that even pagans would find abhorrent. He rebukes them for their pride and lack of grief over this sin, emphasizing that such unrepentant sin pollutes the entire community and undermines their identity as the body of Christ. The expulsion of the offender is presented as a necessary act of spiritual cleansing and a means of confronting the individual with the gravity of their sin, hoping for repentance.

Key Themes and Messages

• Church Discipline: The verse highlights the church's mandate to exercise discipline over its members when confronted with persistent, unrepentant sin. This is not a punitive action for the sake of punishment, but a restorative and protective measure.
• Purity of the Community: The presence of unrepentant sin within the church defiles the entire body and compromises its witness to the world. Expulsion is a means of maintaining the spiritual purity of the community.
• Distinction Between Internal and External Judgment: Paul differentiates between the church's disciplinary action against its own members and God's ultimate judgment on those outside the faith. The church's role is to address sin within its fold; God reserves the final judgment for all.
• Hope for Repentance: While expulsion is severe, the ultimate goal, as stated in 1 Corinthians 5:5, is the salvation of the individual's spirit on the day of the Lord, implying that the disciplinary action is intended to lead to repentance.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of accountability and the church's responsibility to address serious sin within its fellowship. It calls for a balance between grace and truth, offering forgiveness to the repentant while also upholding the holiness of God and the sanctity of the church. The application involves careful discernment, prayerful consideration, and adherence to biblical principles of church discipline as outlined in passages like Matthew 18:15-20. It necessitates a commitment to both the spiritual well-being of the offender and the health of the entire congregation.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This principle of maintaining purity within God's people is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, laws concerning ritual purity and the expulsion of those who violated the covenant served a similar purpose for Israel. In the New Testament, the church is called to be a holy nation, a royal priesthood, and the body of Christ, all of which imply a need for internal purity. This verse connects to the eschatological hope of Christ's return, when all sin will be judged, and the church will be presented as a spotless bride.

Analogies

• A Doctor's Surgery: Just as a surgeon might remove a cancerous growth to save the rest of the body, the church, in exercising discipline, removes a corrupting influence to preserve the spiritual health of the whole.
• A Guard at the Gate: The church acts as a guard, ensuring that the gate remains closed to those who would deliberately and unrepentantly bring harm or defilement into the community, while still being open to those who seek entry with a contrite heart.
• A Shepherd Protecting the Flock: A shepherd might separate a diseased sheep from the flock to prevent contagion, demonstrating a protective and pastoral concern for the well-being of the entire group.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 18:15-17: This passage outlines a process for addressing sin within the church, culminating in the church's judgment if the individual remains unrepentant.
• 1 Corinthians 5:1-5: This immediately preceding section details the specific sin and Paul's initial instruction for dealing with it.
• 2 Corinthians 2:6-8: Paul later indicates that the discipline administered by the majority was sufficient, and he urges them to forgive and reaffirm their love for the repentant offender.
• Galatians 5:19-21: This passage lists "acts of the flesh" that can disqualify one from inheriting the kingdom of God if unrepented.
• Hebrews 12:14-16: This verse speaks of pursuing peace with all and the need to be holy, warning against bitterness and impurity that can defile many.