1 Corinthians 5:4- “So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present,”

Extended Explanation

Paul is giving the Corinthian church specific instructions on how to handle a serious moral issue in their congregation. In the previous verses, he has already rebuked them for tolerating blatant sin—an immoral relationship that even non-Christians would find disgraceful. Now, he tells them what they need to do: gather together as a church and act with the authority of Jesus Christ.

This verse highlights two key things:

1. The Church Acts Together – Paul does not tell individual believers to take matters into their own hands. Instead, the church as a whole is to come together to deal with the situation. Christian discipline is not about personal grudges but about maintaining the holiness of the church body.

2. The Presence and Power of Jesus – The action they take is not done in their own strength or wisdom. Jesus Himself is present when His people gather in His name (Matthew 18:20). This means they are not acting out of personal authority but in obedience to the Lord.

Paul is reminding them that when the church comes together, it is not just a human gathering—it is a spiritual one. The church does not operate on human opinions but under the leadership and power of Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

The city of Corinth was known for its immorality. It was a wealthy trade center filled with idol worship, pagan temples, and a culture that promoted sexual sin. Many in the Corinthian church had been saved out of this lifestyle (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), but some still struggled with leaving their old ways behind.

In ancient times, Jewish and Greek communities had systems of discipline to maintain moral order. In Jewish synagogues, a person who continued in serious sin could be removed from the community until they repented. Greek philosophical groups also had codes of behavior for their members.

Paul is applying a similar principle in the Christian church, but with a key difference—this is done in the power of Jesus Christ. The church is not merely an organization; it is the body of Christ. Sin among its members affects the entire church, which is why discipline is necessary.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key theological truths:

1. The Church Has a Responsibility to Address Sin – The local church is not just a social gathering; it is a spiritual family. When unrepentant sin is present, it must be dealt with for the sake of the church’s holiness.

2. Church Discipline Is a Corporate Action – Paul does not instruct individuals to act alone. The whole church is involved. This prevents personal bias and ensures that decisions are made with wisdom and unity.

3. Jesus Is Present in His Church – When believers gather in His name, Jesus is there with them (Matthew 18:20). Church discipline is not about personal authority but about following Christ’s leadership.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s words here are both instructional and weighty. He emphasizes the gathering of the church as an essential part of this process. The phrase “when you are assembled” shows that this is not a private matter but a corporate one.

The phrase “I am with you in spirit” does not mean Paul is mystically present. Instead, it means that his authority as an apostle and his agreement with their decision are with them. He is giving them full approval and expecting them to act on his instruction.

The most important phrase is “the power of our Lord Jesus is present.” This shows that church discipline is not just a human decision—it is carried out under the authority of Christ. The Corinthians are not being asked to rely on their own wisdom but to trust in the Lord’s power to guide them.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Jesus’ promise of His presence among believers.)
• Matthew 18:15-17 – Jesus’ teaching on how to handle sin within the church.
• John 20:22-23 – Jesus gives His disciples authority to address sin in the church.
• 2 Corinthians 13:10 – Paul speaks about using his authority to build up the church, not to tear it down.
• Revelation 1:12-13 – Jesus is seen walking among the lampstands, which represent the churches. This symbolizes His presence with His people.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today struggle with the idea of church discipline. In a culture that values individual freedom, the idea of the church addressing sin can seem harsh or unloving. But Paul makes it clear that this is not about personal control—it is about protecting the spiritual health of the church.

This verse reminds us that the local church is more than a place to attend services. It is a body of believers united under Jesus Christ. When we come together, we should do so with the awareness that Jesus is truly present among us. This should bring both comfort and accountability.

For Christians today, this verse is a call to take the church seriously. Our gatherings are not just social events—they are spiritual gatherings where Jesus is at work. This should affect the way we worship, pray, and even how we deal with sin in the church.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first glance, a verse about church discipline might not seem like it reflects God’s love, but it actually does. God’s love is not passive—it is active. He does not ignore sin because He knows how destructive it is.

Just as a loving parent disciplines a child to keep them from harm, God disciplines His people to bring them back to righteousness (Hebrews 12:6). If God did not care, He would let people continue in sin without correction. But because He loves His church, He calls it to holiness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the foundation of church authority and discipline. Everything the church does should be done under His guidance and power.

• Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus has all authority, and He commands the church to teach obedience to His commands.
• Ephesians 5:25-27 – Jesus gave Himself for the church to make it holy.
• Revelation 2:4-5 – Jesus warns the church at Ephesus to repent or risk losing their place as a church.

This verse reminds us that Jesus is not distant from His church—He is actively involved. When the church follows His commands, it reflects His holiness and love.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why does Paul emphasize the church gathering together before addressing this issue?
2. What does it mean that Jesus is present when believers gather in His name?
3. How does this verse challenge the modern idea of church as just a place for personal encouragement?
4. How can church discipline be done in a way that reflects both truth and love?
5. How does recognizing Jesus’ presence in church gatherings affect your attitude toward worship and fellowship?