1 Corinthians 5 - Introduction

FIRST CORINTHIANS CHAPTER FIVE

OUTLINE AND COMMENTARY-MARK DUNAGAN

I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER FIVE:

I. Condemnation of. relaxed attitude towards sin: 1 Corinthians 5:1-5

II. An illustration from leaven/passover: 1 Corinthians 5:6-8

III. Correcting. misunderstanding: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

II. INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER FIVE:

'The abruptness with which this subject is introduced suggests that the report has just reached Paul's ears.' [Note:. F.F. Bruce p. 53]

'In this passage Paul is dealing with what, for him, was an ever recurring problem. In sexual matters the heathen did not know the meaning of chastity. The heathen took their pleasure when they wanted it and where they wanted it..it was so difficult to unlearn the practices which generations of loose-living had made part of their lives; and yet if the Church was to be kept pure they must say. final good-bye to the old heathen ways.' [Note:. Barclay pp. 48-49]

'In this chapter, Paul began his discussion of morality which he continued through chapter six...In these two Chapter s, we get. little deeper insight into the everyday struggle between Christianity and first-century paganism.' [Note:. Willis p. 157]

Point to Note:

So often the New Testament deals with the abuse of sex. "Fornication" is often the first sin mentioned in various sin lists. (1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 5:19; Colossians 3:5) And it wasn't that first century Christians were sexually "hung up" nor because they considered this the primary sin, the "scarlet letter" as it were. Rather, fornication is so often condemned and dealt with, because the PREVAILING CULTURE didn't see anything wrong with it! Christian's lived in. culture that "could matter-of-factly say, 'Mistresses we keep for the sake of pleasure, concubines for the daily care of the body, but wives to bear us legitimate children.'" [Note:. Fee p. 196]

III. COMMENTARY ON CHAPTER FIVE: