1 Corinthians 5:1-3

Tolerating Sin in the Church

Fornication was a part of the worship of Aphrodite. A thousand priestesses of the goddess served as prostitutes who were available for the free use of temple visitors. Yet, a variety of fornication considered detestable by the heathens of this wicked city had been reported among the Christians. Apparently Paul learned of the sin in the church at Corinth through public gossip. This outrage came because a man committed fornication either with his stepmother, or else his mother (1 Corinthians 5:1; Leviticus 18:8; Leviticus 20:11; Deuteronomy 22:30; Deuteronomy 27:20).

Despite this terrible sin, the church still took pride in man's wisdom and remained divided. Because of the pride, and division caused by it, no disciplinary action had been taken. Such sin should have caused great sorrow in the church. It should have called for immediate action. Paul's quick judgment and action stood in sharp contrast to their lack of shame (1 Corinthians 5:2-3).