Question
In 1 Corin. 5: 1-12 & 2 Corin. 2: 5-11. What is the sin? What is the punishment? What is the purpose of the punishment?
Answer
As to 1 Cor. 5, the sin under consideration is a man having sexual relations with his father’s wife. The sin is so blatant and unacceptable that Paul points out that even among unbelievers, it would not be accepted.
The punishment that is prescribed is that the Corinthians formally make it know that this bort her has committed sin and is to be treated in such a way by the congregation that all recognize his sin and his need for repentance. The withdrawing from him is expressed by not socially engaging with him by eating meals with him as well as other social situations. Further, instead of boasting about his sins, the Corinthians were to mourn over his sins so that he might be brought to shame in order to turn from this sin.
In 2 Cor. 2, Paul recognizes that they followed his instructions and now, after the brother had repented, they should reaffirm their love to him and not continue to withdraw from him. This shows the purpose of this withdrawing to be for the good of the one who sinned as well as the local church. They needed to do this so that they would prevent these sins from spreading throughout the church. Although many churches today do not practice any of this and seem to accept all people, no matter what sins they may still be committing, including open homosexuality, to the true Christian who wants to follow the apostles’ teaching, these instructions are just as valid today as they were then. And, with God’s help, those who have fallen into sin, might be persuaded to turn back again to a loving, patient Jesus.
By Gary Hunt
