What does 1 Corinthians 5:2 mean?

And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 1 Corinthians 5:2

Explanation

1 Corinthians 5:2, as part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, addresses a problem of immorality within the Christian community. The phrase “puffed up” indicates that the Corinthian believers were arrogantly complacent or even proud, rather than being ashamed and mournful about the sin that was occurring among them. Specifically, the sin Paul refers to is a case of sexual immorality (mentioned in the previous verse), which was not only being tolerated but also left unaddressed within the church. The latter part of the verse expresses Paul’s shock and disappointment that the community has failed to take action to “remove” or discipline the person who has committed the sinful act. The deeper meaning of the verse lies in the expectations for the Christian community to uphold moral standards and to address sin with both seriousness and a goal of restoration.

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the broader letter of 1 Corinthians, which was written by Paul around A.D. 55. The ancient city of Corinth was known for its wealth and vice, being a major commercial center with a reputation for sexual promiscuity linked to pagan temple worship. The early Christian community was influenced by its surrounding culture, which led to various moral and theological issues that Paul addresses throughout his letter. It suggests that pagan practices and immorality had infiltrated the church, which required correction and reformation from a Christian ethical standpoint.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on the concepts of church discipline, the nature of sin, community standards, and repentance. Different theological viewpoints might emphasize the church’s role in morally forming its members (Catholic and Orthodox perspectives), the importance of personal holiness and purity (Evangelical Protestantism), or the role of grace and forgiveness in dealing with sin (mainstream Protestantism). Despite differences in emphasis, most Christian traditions agree on the necessity of addressing sin within the community to promote both the spiritual health of individuals and the integrity of the church.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in contemporary Christian life by encouraging believers to confront issues of immorality with humility and a desire for restoration, rather than ignoring them or approaching them with self-righteous pride. It emphasizes the importance of communal accountability and the need for church leaders and members to take stands against behaviors that are contrary to Christian teaching. Additionally, it calls for a reflective and introspective approach in personal and corporate life, where individuals are encouraged to examine their own lives for areas where they may be morally “puffed up” or in need of correction.

Cross-References

• Matthew 18:17 – “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”
• Galatians 6:1 – “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• “Puffed up” (φυσιοῦσθε, physiousthe): To inflate, blow up; metaphorically to make proud, conceited.
• “Mourned” (πενθήσατε, penthēsate): To grieve, lament, express sorrow.
• “Taken away” (ἀρθῇ, arthē): Removed, taken off; in this context, it suggests removal from fellowship or excommunication.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Hebrew tradition, community standards and discipline were integral to maintaining holiness and order, found in texts like Deuteronomy and Leviticus. In Greco-Roman culture, there was a variety of moral philosophies ranging from Stoic austerity to Epicurean indulgence. Paul’s approach in 1 Corinthians 5 aligns more with Jewish ethics, emphasizing community standards and collective responsibility. Unlike the mystery religions or the cultic practices associated with the worship of deities like Aphrodite, Christian ethos demanded moral purity and communal accountability.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings as it deals with moral and ethical considerations rather than empirical observations. However, psychology might offer insights into the group dynamics and behaviors such as the tendency towards “groupthink” or conformity, which can spark a collective to ignore or justify immoral actions within their community.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars offer different perspectives on this verse. Many agree that Paul is addressing a specific case of wrongdoing and providing instructions for how to deal with such situations within the community. Some commentators like John Stott suggest that Paul is emphasizing “godly sorrow” which leads to repentance and change, contrasting it with the arrogance shown by the Corinthians. Others, like Gordon Fee, highlight the sharpness of Paul’s rebuke as indicative of the seriousness with which early Christians took communal purity and the danger of unaddressed sin. It serves not only as a call for judgement but also as a call to reflect the holiness of the Christian community.