In 1 Corinthians 5-7, the Apostle Paul addresses several critical issues that were troubling the church in Corinth. These chapters are rich with teachings on church discipline, sexual morality, and marriage. Paul’s guidance is not only relevant to the immediate context of the Corinthian church but also offers timeless principles for the Christian community today.
1 Corinthians 5: Church Discipline and Sexual Immorality
Paul begins in Chapter 5 by addressing a grave issue of sexual immorality within the church. He explicitly mentions a case where a man is living with his father's wife, an action that is condemned even by the standards of the surrounding pagan society (1 Corinthians 5:1). Paul is astounded not only by the sin itself but also by the church's complacency and arrogance in dealing with it. He admonishes the Corinthians for their lack of mourning over this sin and for failing to take corrective action (1 Corinthians 5:2).
Paul instructs the church 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" (1 Corinthians 5:5). This phrase indicates a form of excommunication, where the individual is removed from the protective sphere of the church community. The goal of this severe action is redemptive rather than punitive, aiming for the sinner's ultimate repentance and salvation.
Furthermore, Paul emphasizes the importance of purity within the church body. He uses the analogy of leaven, explaining that just as a small amount of yeast leavens the whole batch of dough, so too can unchecked sin corrupt the entire community (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). He urges the Corinthians to celebrate the Christian life not with the "old leaven" of malice and wickedness, but with the "unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Corinthians 5:8).
1 Corinthians 6: Lawsuits Among Believers and Sexual Immorality
In Chapter 6, Paul addresses two main issues: lawsuits among believers and further teachings on sexual immorality.
Lawsuits Among Believers
Paul is dismayed that members of the Corinthian church are taking their disputes to secular courts rather than resolving them within the Christian community. He questions why they would subject their grievances to those who are not part of the church and who do not share their values (1 Corinthians 6:1-6). Paul argues that the saints will judge the world and even angels, so they should be capable of judging trivial matters among themselves (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
He suggests that it would be better to suffer wrong or be defrauded than to damage the church's witness by airing grievances before unbelievers (1 Corinthians 6:7). This teaching underscores the importance of unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ.
Sexual Immorality
Paul then returns to the topic of sexual immorality, warning that those who engage in such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). He lists various sins, including sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, and homosexuality, among others. However, he also offers a message of hope, reminding the Corinthians that some of them were formerly involved in these sins but have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Paul emphasizes the sanctity of the body, explaining that it is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should not be united with a prostitute (1 Corinthians 6:15-19). He highlights the profound spiritual union between Christ and the believer, urging them to glorify God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20).
1 Corinthians 7: Marriage and Singleness
Chapter 7 deals extensively with issues related to marriage, singleness, and sexual relations. Paul provides practical advice to different groups within the church, including married couples, the unmarried, and widows.
Marriage and Sexual Relations
Paul begins by addressing a question from the Corinthians about whether it is good for a man not to marry. He acknowledges that celibacy is a good and honorable state, but he also recognizes that not everyone has the gift of celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:1-7). Therefore, to avoid sexual immorality, he advises that each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband (1 Corinthians 7:2).
He emphasizes the mutual responsibilities of husbands and wives to fulfill each other's sexual needs, highlighting the importance of sexual relations within marriage as a safeguard against temptation (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). Paul also grants a temporary concession for couples to abstain from sexual relations for the purpose of prayer, but he advises that they should come together again to avoid temptation due to lack of self-control.
Advice to the Unmarried and Widows
Paul provides specific counsel to the unmarried and widows, suggesting that it is good for them to remain single as he is (1 Corinthians 7:8). However, he acknowledges that if they cannot exercise self-control, it is better to marry than to burn with passion (1 Corinthians 7:9).
Instructions for Married Couples
To married couples, Paul reiterates the teaching of Jesus that a wife should not separate from her husband and a husband should not divorce his wife (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). He makes a distinction for marriages where one spouse is a believer and the other is not. If the unbelieving spouse is willing to live with the believing spouse, they should not divorce, as the unbelieving spouse is sanctified through the believing spouse (1 Corinthians 7:12-14). However, if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is not bound in such circumstances (1 Corinthians 7:15).
The Principle of Contentment
Paul introduces the principle of remaining in the situation in which one was called. He advises believers to remain in their current marital status, whether married or single, and to serve God faithfully in that state (1 Corinthians 7:17-24). This principle extends to other aspects of life, such as circumcision and slavery, where Paul encourages contentment and faithful service to God regardless of one's circumstances.
The Present Crisis
Paul also addresses the concept of the "present crisis," which likely refers to a period of distress or persecution faced by the early church (1 Corinthians 7:25-31). In light of this crisis, he advises those who are unmarried to consider remaining single to avoid the additional troubles that come with marriage. However, he makes it clear that marrying is not a sin and that his advice is given with the intention of promoting undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
Practical Advice for Engaged Couples
Paul offers practical advice to those who are engaged, stating that if a man feels he is acting improperly toward his fiancée and she is past the age of marriage, they should marry (1 Corinthians 7:36). However, if a man has settled the matter in his heart and is not under compulsion, he does well to remain single (1 Corinthians 7:37). He concludes that both marrying and remaining single are good, but remaining single is preferable in the context of the present crisis (1 Corinthians 7:38).
Counsel to Widows
Finally, Paul addresses widows, stating that they are free to remarry, but only to someone who belongs to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:39). He expresses his personal opinion that a widow would be happier if she remains as she is, but he acknowledges that this is not a command from the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:40).
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 5-7, Paul provides comprehensive guidance on a variety of issues facing the Corinthian church, including church discipline, sexual morality, and marriage. His teachings emphasize the importance of purity, unity, and faithfulness within the Christian community. Paul’s counsel is rooted in the principles of love, holiness, and devotion to God, offering timeless wisdom for believers in every age.
