1 Corinthians – Chapter 5

New Testament13 Verses

Chapter Summary

1 Corinthians 5 opens with the words: "It is absolutely heard that there is fornication among you and such fornication as the like is not among the heathens: that one should have…" Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and God feeding His people. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1It is absolutely heard that there is fornication among you and such fornication as the like is not among the heathens: that one should have his father's wife.

2And you are puffed up and have not rather mourned: that he might be taken away from among you that hath done this thing.

3I indeed, absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged, as though I were present, him that hath so done,

4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you being gathered together and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus:

5To deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

6Your glorying is not good. Know you not that a little leaven corrupteth the whole lump?

7Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new paste, as you are unleavened. For Christ our pasch is sacrificed.

8Therefore, let us feast, not with the old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness: but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

9I wrote to you in an epistle, not to keep company with fornicators.

10I mean not with the fornicators of this world or with the covetous or the extortioners or the servers of idols: otherwise you must needs go out of this world.

11But now I have written to you, not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator or covetous or a server of idols or a railer or a drunkard or an extortioner: with such a one, not so much as to eat.

12For what have I to do to judge them that are without? Do not you judge them that are within?

13For them that are without, God will judge. Put away the evil one from among yourselves.

Important Verses in 1 Corinthians 5

It is absolutely heard that there is fornication among you and such fornication as the like is not among the heathens: that one should have his father's wife.

1 Corinthians 5:1

To deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 5:5

Therefore, let us feast, not with the old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness: but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

1 Corinthians 5:8

For them that are without, God will judge. Put away the evil one from among yourselves.

1 Corinthians 5:13

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, 1 Corinthians was written with the divided church of Corinth, called back to unity and holiness in view. Chapter 5 of 16 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "It is absolutely heard that there is fornication among you and such fornication as the like is not among the heathens:…" The chapter ends with: "For them that are without, God will judge. Put away the evil one from among yourselves. " In terms of historical background, Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan port city, and its young church mirrored its problems: factions, lawsuits, immorality, and confusion about worship. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 56, from Ephesus.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 56, from Ephesus

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "It is absolutely heard that there is fornication among you and such fornication as the like is not among the heathens: that one should have his father's wife." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of unity, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. Paul's teaching on the Eucharist and the body of Christ (CIC 1329, 791). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2578).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read 1 Corinthians Chapter 5, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. intercession for others remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of intercession for others bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Corinthians Chapter 5 about?

1 Corinthians 5 contains 13 verses. It opens with "It is absolutely heard that there is fornication among you and such fornication as the like is not among the heathens:…" and closes with "For them that are without, God will judge. Put away the evil one from among yourselves. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 1 Corinthians 5?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "It is absolutely heard that there is fornication among you and such fornication as the like is not among the heathens: that one should have his father's wife." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote 1 Corinthians and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 56, from Ephesus.

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