ESV Reformation Study Bible – 1 Cor 5:3–5
Resources chevron-right ESV Reformation Study Bible chevron-right 1 Corinthians chevron-right 1 Cor 5:3–5
1 Cor 5:3–5

5:3–5 A very difficult passage. Though Paul is physically absent from the Corinthian community, he claims to pass a prophetic judgment in their midst. The apostle is commanding the church to expel the offender from their fellowship (“deliver this man to Satan”). The purpose of this judgment is the man’s salvation, but that can be achieved only if his sinful tendencies are overcome (“the destruction of the flesh”). According to one interpretation of 2 Cor. 2:5–11, this man did repent of his sin. See “Church Discipline and Excommunication” at Matt. 18:15.