Question

What situation had developed in the first-century congregation in Corinth? (1 Corinthians 5:1, 2)

Answer 1

In the first-century congregation in Corinth, a serious situation had developed involving sexual immorality. Specifically, 1 Corinthians 5:1 notes that there was a case of incest, where a man was living with his father's wife. This behavior was considered scandalous even by the standards of the surrounding culture. The Corinthian congregation's response to this situation was inadequate; they were boasting about their tolerance instead of taking disciplinary action. Paul addressed this issue in his letter to urge the congregation to confront the immorality and to take appropriate measures in line with their Christian convictions.