Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.—1 Cor. 5:13.
The first-century Corinthian congregation faced the situation of a man who unrepentantly practiced fornication. His conduct threatened the purity of the congregation and was a scandal even among nonbelievers. Hence, Paul rightly directed that the man be removed from the congregation. (1 Cor. 5:1, 7, 11-13) The congregation was thus protected from a corrupting influence, and the sinner was brought to his senses and to sincere repentance. On the basis of the man’s works befitting repentance, Paul indicated in his second letter to that congregation that the man should be reinstated. Paul also directed that the congregation “kindly forgive and comfort [the repentant sinner], that somehow such a man may not be swallowed up by his being overly sad.” (2 Cor. 2:5-8) Should we not likewise ‘confirm our love’ for sinners who truly repent and are reinstated?—Matt. 6:14, 15; Luke 15:7. w10 6/15 2:13-15
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