1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Warning Against the Leaven of Sin

They had been proud of their tolerance of sin, as if that was a badge of true righteousness. However, Paul warned them that such pride was not good. He also reminded them that even a small amount of leaven would spread through an entire lump of dough. Leaven, in this case, represents evil "illustrating the hidden constant way in which it spreads," according to McGarvey.

The apostle said the leaven of sin must be taken away. The Jews had to put away leaven at Passover time. Jesus, as our Passover lamb, was sacrificed for us once for all, so sin must be put away once for all (Hebrews 9:28). So, Paul urged them to keep the Christian's Passover feast without the old leaven of sin.

He further urged them to lay aside the new leaven of malice and wickedness. Malice would be ill will in mind, while wickedness would be ill will expressed in action. Those who are in Christ's body should strive to be pure. The church and its members should work to be completely free of flaws. "Sincerity" carries the idea of purity. It has been well depicted as a test accomplished by holding up a piece of cloth between the eye and the sun. When no flaws were found, it was said to be pure. "Truth" is simply the word of God, or the ultimate standard of judgment for Christians (1 Corinthians 5:6-8; John 12:48; Romans 2:16).