What does 1 Corinthians 5:5 mean?

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:5

Explanation

The verse 1 Corinthians 5:5 is a part of an admonition by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church concerning a case of sexual immorality within the community. The specific phrase “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh” refers to the act of excommunicating a person from the church. The purpose of this action is not punitive but redemptive, aiming for “the destruction of the flesh” which means to confront the individual with the consequences of sin so that they might turn away from it. The ultimate goal is that “the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus,” which focuses on the salvation of the person’s soul rather than simply punishing the physical body or earthly life. This is an instance of church discipline with a restorative rather than a retributive intention.

Historical Context

During the time when Paul was writing to the Corinthians, the early Christian communities were trying to define their moral and ethical boundaries. The church at Corinth was known for its struggles with various moral issues, including sexual immorality. At the time, Greek culture, which was prevalent in Corinth, often had more permissive views on sexual relations compared to Jewish and emerging Christian norms. The notion of excluding someone from the community was a serious matter because the early church was a minority group often facing external pressures, and internal unity and purity were essential for its survival and witness.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives yield various interpretations of this verse:

• Conservative/Traditional View: This tends to be taken very literally, upholding church discipline and the concept of excommunication as important practices. It believes in the idea of divine or spiritual consequence for sin unless there is repentance.
• Liberal/Modern View: Such a perspective might interpret this verse metaphorically, seeing it as a call to personal transformation rather than a prescription for exclusion from a community.
• Reformed Theology: This viewpoint often agrees with the importance of church discipline but emphasizes that the restoration of the sinner is the main objective.
• Catholic Theology: The Catholic Church has a sacramental system which includes penance and reconciliation, and while it practices excommunication, it always aims at the redemption and return of the individual to full communion.

Practical Applications

This verse can bring about a serious reflection on the importance of accountability within a faith community. It could be understood to advocate for:

• Setting and upholding community standards for conduct.
• Personal and communal responsibility in addressing sin.
• Providing a pathway for restoration and forgiveness after repentance.
• Being attentive to both the spiritual welfare of individuals and the community.

Cross-References

• Matthew 18:15-17 – Christ’s instructions on handling sin in the church.
• 1 Timothy 1:20 – Paul mentioning handing over individuals to Satan.
• 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 – Encouragement to forgive and comfort the repentant individual.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Admonishments to warn the disorderly.
• Galatians 6:1 – The call to restore someone who is caught in transgression.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek of this passage help illuminate its meaning:

• “Deliver” (παραδῶναι – paradonai): Generally means to hand over or to give up. In this context, it implies handing someone over to an opposing force, possibly for discipline.
• “Destruction” (ὄλεθρον – olethron): Destruction, ruin, or death. This could be interpreted as bringing an end to sinful behavior.
• “Flesh” (σαρκός – sarkos): This term can refer to the body or the sinful nature of human beings.
• “Spirit” (πνεῦμα – pneuma): Generally used to refer to the non-material aspect of a person, which can be aligned with God’s will.
• “Saved” (σωθῇ – sothe): To be rescued or delivered, particularly with an eternal or salvific connotation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In broader cultural and religious contexts, the idea of separating an individual from a community for ethical or ritual reasons is not unique to Christianity. For instance:

• Ancient Judaism had practices of cutting off a person from Israel for certain sins.
• Several pagan religious systems had purification rituals that isolated individuals deemed unclean or unworthy.
• In Hinduism, the practice of caste-based ostracism can serve as a form of social discipline, though it differs significantly in intent and application.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the consequences of social exclusion and community discipline can be studied in terms of psychological impact and social dynamics. Research has shown that social exclusion can have significant psychological effects, potentially leading to behavior modification. However, science does not delve into the spiritual implications described in the verse.

Commentaries

Experts and commentators have varying opinions on this verse:

• John Calvin notes that this is a form of severe discipline intended to lead to repentance and that “the flesh” signifies not the body itself but the corrupt nature.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the importance of the church’s purity and the necessity of the spirit’s salvation even at the cost of physical or worldly destruction.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary suggests that “delivering to Satan” indicates removing the protective fellowship of the church and exposing the individual to the world where Satan has dominion.
• The New Bible Commentary agrees on the redemptive focus of the action and cautions against interpreting this verse as a sanction for harsh or unloving practices within the church.