1 Corinthians 5:3, Present In Spirit

1 Corinthians 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed.

The Apostle Paul is deeply concerned about the toleration of sin within the church in Corinth and he is urging the leadership of the church to take the step to discipline this errant brother. He tells them his assessment of this man’s spiritual state, as though he was present with them. This man needs to be disciplined so that there is a restored order in the church, an intolerance for sin to fester.

He highlights their state of indifference toward sin. The evil nature of the sin seemed to have been downplayed. It will certainly affect the church’s witness. In the gentile world, such a sin of laying with one’s father’s wife is certainly not tolerated. What more in the church? He certainly would not be involved with this had the Corinthian church been forthcoming in dealing with such a sin.

There is a general state of coldness toward a life of holiness. It may be the tip of the iceberg. There is greater spiritual malaise to be dealt with. It seemed the time when the Apostle Paul was there, he spared no effort to preach holiness in the lives of God’s people. In his absence, the spiritual vigilance that comes through the consistent preaching and teaching of God’s Word seemed to have weakened.

May God be gracious to preserve the purity of His body. Amen.