Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 5

The Greek word porneia (GK 4318) used in this verse is accurately translated “sexual immorality.” Paul has heard a widespread report that a particular man of their congregation had married his stepmother (the NT expression “to have a woman” means “to marry” her; cf. Matthew 14:4; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 29). Such a sin of incest, Paul says, is not even practiced among non-Christians. It was also strictly forbidden according to Lev 18:8 and Dt 22:30 and carried with it a curse . Rabbinic law, however, seems to have allowed a marriage when a proselyte married his stepmother, since his becoming a proselyte broke all bonds of relationship. It is possible that some in the Corinthian church who had come from the synagogue may have known of this allowance. Though as a Pharisee (cf. Php 3:5) Paul knew the system of Jewish law with its varying interpretations, he applies the OT law and its teaching on marriage strictly.

Paul again alludes to the pride of the Corinthians. This time it was a pride that, rather than causing them to mourn over the shocking sin, allowed them to tolerate such a sinner in their midst. Paul presses his judgment of the case by saying that he is with them in spirit and has already passed judgment on the offending person.

Paul again alludes to the pride of the Corinthians. This time it was a pride that, rather than causing them to mourn over the shocking sin, allowed them to tolerate such a sinner in their midst. Paul presses his judgment of the case by saying that he is with them in spirit and has already passed judgment on the offending person.

Though the local congregation itself is to gather and discipline the offender, Paul reminds them of his apostolic authority over them by saying, “I am with you in spirit.” But he does not overassert his authority, because he recognizes that the decision is to be made “in the name [GK 3950] of our Lord Jesus” (i.e., by the authority of Jesus, for his name carries authority), and that it is to be done with “the power [GK 1539] of our Lord Jesus.” These two expressions amplify each other: church discipline must be exercised carefully on the authority of Jesus’ name, and the verdict given is accompanied by the spiritual power of the Lord.

By saying, “Hand this man over to Satan, so that his sinful nature [or body] may be destroyed,” Paul includes both the man’s excommunication (cf. v.2) and some form of physical suffering, even as far as death (cf. 1 Timothy 1:20). The word sarx (lit., “flesh”; GK 4922) can mean the “sinful nature,” but since “flesh” in this verse stands in contrast to “spirit” (GK 4460), the reference seems to be to the human body. That Satan has power to afflict the body is evident from frequent NT references to the effects of demon possession (cf. Matthew 9:32–33) and to satanic activity in causing affliction or limitation (2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:18). This bodily punishment by Satan, Paul hopes, will have the effect of causing the man to repent so that his spirit (i.e., his person) may be saved at the second coming of Christ.

Although Paul teaches church excommunication here, he does not say that the man should divorce his stepmother. This accords with the scriptural teaching that marriage is an indissoluble bond (Genesis 2:24). He does imply that by repenting the man’s spirit will be saved. Some interpreters see in 2 Corinthians 2:6–7 and 7:9–12 a reference to this man, that he did repent. If true, such an interpretation implies that the man was to be allowed to come back into fellowship in spite of his incestuous marriage.

Though the local congregation itself is to gather and discipline the offender, Paul reminds them of his apostolic authority over them by saying, “I am with you in spirit.” But he does not overassert his authority, because he recognizes that the decision is to be made “in the name [GK 3950] of our Lord Jesus” (i.e., by the authority of Jesus, for his name carries authority), and that it is to be done with “the power [GK 1539] of our Lord Jesus.” These two expressions amplify each other: church discipline must be exercised carefully on the authority of Jesus’ name, and the verdict given is accompanied by the spiritual power of the Lord.

By saying, “Hand this man over to Satan, so that his sinful nature [or body] may be destroyed,” Paul includes both the man’s excommunication (cf. v.2) and some form of physical suffering, even as far as death (cf. 1 Timothy 1:20). The word sarx (lit., “flesh”; GK 4922) can mean the “sinful nature,” but since “flesh” in this verse stands in contrast to “spirit” (GK 4460), the reference seems to be to the human body. That Satan has power to afflict the body is evident from frequent NT references to the effects of demon possession (cf. Matthew 9:32–33) and to satanic activity in causing affliction or limitation (2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:18). This bodily punishment by Satan, Paul hopes, will have the effect of causing the man to repent so that his spirit (i.e., his person) may be saved at the second coming of Christ.

Although Paul teaches church excommunication here, he does not say that the man should divorce his stepmother. This accords with the scriptural teaching that marriage is an indissoluble bond (Genesis 2:24). He does imply that by repenting the man’s spirit will be saved. Some interpreters see in 2 Corinthians 2:6–7 and 7:9–12 a reference to this man, that he did repent. If true, such an interpretation implies that the man was to be allowed to come back into fellowship in spite of his incestuous marriage.