Chapter 5
The
apostle blames the Corinthians for connivance at an incestuous person
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1–8
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and
directs their behaviour towards those guilty of scandalous crimes
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9–13
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Verses 1–8
The
apostle notices a flagrant abuse, winked at by the Corinthians. Party spirit,
and a false notion of Christian liberty, seem to have saved the offender from
censure. Grievous indeed is it that crimes should sometimes be committed by
professors of the gospel, of which even heathens would be ashamed. Spiritual
pride and false doctrines tend to bring in, and to spread such scandals. How
dreadful the effects of sin! The devil reigns where Christ does not. And a man
is in his kingdom, and under his power, when not in Christ. The bad example of
a man of influence is very mischievous; it spreads far and wide. Corrupt
principles and examples, if not corrected, would hurt the whole church.
Believers must have new hearts, and lead new lives. Their common conversation
and religious deeds must be holy. So far is the sacrifice of Christ our
Passover for us, from rendering personal and public holiness unnecessary, that
it furnishes powerful reasons and motives for it. Without holiness we can
neither live by faith in him, nor join in his ordinances with comfort and
profit.
Verses 9–13
Christians
are to avoid familiar converse with all who disgrace the Christian name. Such
are only fit companions for their brethren in sin, and to such company they
should be left, whenever it is possible to do so. Alas, that there are many
called Christians, whose conversation is more dangerous than that of heathens!
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
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