I Corinthians 5

• I Corinthians 5:1 – See I Corinthians 1:10-11; 2:2. Some translations use “immorality” here, but this is specifically talking about sexual immorality. This sexual immorality was being committed by someone in their midst. Some translations say “pagans” instead of “Gentiles,” both referring to people of the world.
• I Corinthians 5:2 – Their attitude was wrong. They were arrogant about the sin instead of mourning. It was important that they remove the sinful person from the church.
• I Corinthians 5:3 – Paul was not there, but his thoughts were with them. This does not seem to refer to anything more than that.
• I Corinthians 5:4-5 – Paul seems to be simply saying that this is in harmony with Jesus’ will. See Romans 11:22-23. “Delivering to Satan” means to acknowledge the truth that this man is sinning and should be removed (I Timothy 1:19-20; Romans 1:24, 26, 28). “Destruction of the flesh” here might be referring to destruction of fleshly desires (Galatians 5:13). See II Thessalonians 3:6, 10-15 for similar instructions. In II Corinthians 2:6-8, we have an indication that this may have worked.
• I Corinthians 5:6-8
• I Corinthians 5:9-11 – See Matthew 18:15. It was important that they disciplined people who were in the church yet living in sin by not associating with them. This does not apply to those outside the church. This is tough love, but it is love!
• I Corinthians 5:12-13 – A local church regulates its own membership (Acts 9:6), but that has no bearing on those outside the church.