1 Corinthians / Question
Paul rebukes the church for tolerating a case of sexual immorality and says the offender should be removed from among them (1 Corinthians 5:1–2). He describes a gathered decision “to deliver this man to Satan” for the destruction of the flesh, with the stated aim that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:4–5).
In 1 Corinthians 5:1–2 Paul says he has heard a verified report of sexual misconduct inside the Corinthian community—specifically, a man living with his father’s wife. He presents this as shocking even by common non-Jewish standards. His main rebuke in these verses targets the group’s response: instead of grief and decisive action, they are proud. This passage comes after Paul has confronted the Corinthians’ pride and status-seeking, especially their habit of measuring spiritual life by impressive talk and social standing (1 Corinthians 4:18–21).
Paul treats the situation as a real, publicly known scandal inside the Corinthian community (1 Corinthians 5:1–2). The act is described with broad language—sexual immorality—and then specified as a man “having” (living with) his father’s wife, implying an ongoing relationship.
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
1It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles, that one has his father`s wife.
2You are puffed up, and didn`t rather mourn, that he who had done this deed might be removed from among you.