What does 1 Corinthians 5:4 mean?

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 5:4

Explanation

1 Corinthians 5:4 is a verse set in the midst of Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, where he addresses a case of sexual immorality within the Christian community. The verse suggests that when the congregation assembles, they are not alone but joined by Paul’s spirit and the power of Jesus Christ. The phrase “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” signifies acting with His authority and under His banner. This sets the stage for a disciplinary action to be taken against an individual in the church who has engaged in a grave and openly sinful behavior. By mentioning “my spirit,” Paul implies his apostolic authority and his concurrence with the decision, although not physically present. “With the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,” underscores that the action they are taking is empowered and sanctioned by the divine authority of Jesus Christ Himself.

Historical Context

During the time 1 Corinthians was written, the early Christian church was dealing with various internal issues, including moral laxity and misunderstandings of Christian freedom. Paul’s letters aimed to guide and correct the behaviors that were not in line with the teachings of Christianity. The church in Corinth was in a city known for its wealth, commercial success, and moral permissiveness. The issue addressed in chapter 5 involved a case of sexual immorality, which was not even tolerated by the society outside the church. Paul sees this as a matter that demanded immediate attention, and he writes with urgency to ensure the purity and integrity of the church.

Theological Insights

Different theologians may interpret this verse in various ways:

• Some view it as a strong assertion of church discipline, where the church must act together under apostolic teaching and divine authority.
• Others may see it as a testament to the connectedness of the church body, stressing that even when physically apart, they can be together in spirit and purpose.
• Finally, it serves to remind Christians that in matters of discipline and discernment, they are expected to invoke and rely on the power and authority of Jesus Christ, not their own wisdom or strength.

Practical Applications

In today’s context, the verse can be applied in several ways:

• Emphasizes the importance of community and collective action in the church.
• Highlights the need for churches to address sin within their ranks not with human judgment but with the guidance of scripture and under the authority of Christ.
• Encourages believers to seek the presence and power of Jesus, especially in times of difficult decisions or church discipline.

Cross-References

• Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
• 2 Corinthians 2:10 – “To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;”
• 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

• “Name” (Greek: ὀνόματι, onomati): Refers to the authority or character of a person.
• “Gathered together” (Greek: συναχθῆναι, synachthēnai): To come together or assemble as a collective group.
• “Spirit” (Greek: πνεύματι, pneumati): Can refer to the human spirit, in this case, Paul’s own presence in spirit, or a non-physical being or influence.
• “Power” (Greek: δυνάμει, dynamei): Refers to strength or ability, here implying the divine power or authority of Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, invoking the name or presence of deities was not uncommon during significant actions or decisions. Similarly, in Christianity, invoking the name of Jesus signifies authority and commitment to Christian ethics and divine guidance. Such concepts may have similarities to other religious practices where invoking a higher power is a sign of piety, decision-making, and judgment.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives typically do not intersect with verses that discuss spiritual discipline and church authority. The concept of “gathering together” and being united in “spirit” is metaphorical and related to community dynamics rather than a specific scientific understanding.

commentaries

Commentaries on this verse provide insight into its implications for church discipline and the exercise of authority within a Christian context:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes the solemnity of the church’s act of discipline and the reliance on divine authority rather than human judgment.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary emphasizes the unity of the church body under Christ’s authority, even when an apostolic figure like Paul is not physically present.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible describes the verse as a direction for communal prayer and action, firmly rooted in the instruction and power given by Christ.