1 Corinthians 5

     5:1-8.  First, let us deal with three problems of translation:  1.  The NASB nearly always translates the specific word for fornication with the general word immorality.  All the sins listed in vv.10-11 are immoral.  Only the first listed is fornication.  We are not even told the specific meaning in the margin, as though this generation, who finds the practice of this sin so congenial, would get the vapors by seeing its name!  2.  Arrogant is always substituted for the literal “puffed up” (margin).  Arrogant is a good translation of the attitude, but puffed up is easily understood, and does not lose the important connection to the typical and figurative meaning leaven is given in the OT ceremonial law, as explained in vv.6-8.  Just as old Israel put the leaven out of the house at Passover, so the new Israel must put the leaven of wickedness out of the church as they commune together (8), or it will spread through the whole lump (6) and puff them up in their sins.  3.  And finally, in v.5, the translators distort Paul’s meaning by adding the phrase “I have decided” to the text.  He decided in v.3.  Now he urges them to act.  He will be with them in spirit, but it is their duty to assemble and excommunicate the man.  They have the power of the Lord Jesus (4) to turn this man back out into Satan’s world, where if he does not repent he shall perish.  The purpose of this is to bring him to repentance, and if 2 Cor. 2 is a reference to this case, as I think likely, he did repent.

     5:9-13.  V.9 apparently refers to a previous letter which has been lost.  Paul clears up a misunderstanding.  The church is not to withdraw from the sinful world into a monastic type of life.  They are to be in the world but not of it.  One expects the world to be grossly sinful, but such behavior must not be tolerated among God’s people.  Note in v.11 that drunkenness is not a disease to be cured, but a sin to be repented.  It is undeniably self-inflicted by a chosen course of behavior, and is never cured until the behavior changes, i.e., is repented of.

     5:13.  The margin cites five places in Deuteronomy where this command is given.  In each case, in the physical and typical way of the OT, the removal of the wicked is done by the gathered people stoning the guilty to death.  Excommunication, using the power and authority of the Lord Jesus, and in his name, turns a soul over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh.  This is not to be seen as less serious than the OT command.  Eternal destiny is at stake, as Christ is the judge here, not Satan (Mt.10:28;Rev.2:18ff.).  And Christ will judge the church also, if they shirk the responsibility of discipline.  “…it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).