‏ 1 Corinthians 5

* The apostle blames the Corinthians for connivance at an

incestuous person; (1-8) and directs their behaviour towards

those guilty of scandalous crimes. (9-13)

1-8 The apostle notices a flagrant abuse, winked at by the

Corinthians. Party spirit, and a false notion of Christian

liberty, seem to have saved the offender from censure. Grievous

indeed is it that crimes should sometimes be committed by

professors of the gospel, of which even heathens would be

ashamed. Spiritual pride and false doctrines tend to bring in,

and to spread such scandals. How dreadful the effects of sin!

The devil reigns where Christ does not. And a man is in his

kingdom, and under his power, when not in Christ. The bad

example of a man of influence is very mischievous; it spreads

far and wide. Corrupt principles and examples, if not corrected,

would hurt the whole church. Believers must have new hearts, and

lead new lives. Their common conversation and religious deeds

must be holy. So far is the sacrifice of Christ our Passover for

us, from rendering personal and public holiness unnecessary,

that it furnishes powerful reasons and motives for it. Without

holiness we can neither live by faith in him, nor join in his

ordinances with comfort and profit. 9-13 Christians are to avoid familiar converse with all who

disgrace the Christian name. Such are only fit companions for

their brethren in sin, and to such company they should be left,

whenever it is possible to do so. Alas, that there are many

called Christians, whose conversation is more dangerous than

that of heathens!