HOW SERIOUS WRONGDOING WAS HANDLED IN THE FIRST CENTURY

 Read 1 Corinthians 5:1, 2. During his third missionary tour, Paul heard disturbing new about the newly established congregation in Corinth A brother in that congregation was having sexual relations with  with his stepmother. Such behavior was shocking and was "not even found among the nations"! The congregation not only tolerated his behavior but also many were proud of it. Perhaps some thought it demonstrated how merciful and understanding God is toward imperfect humans. But Jehovah does not condone wrongdoing among his people. With such a brazen course, the man was surely damaging the good reputation of the congregation. He also could have been influencing other Christians who were associating with him. So, what did Paul direct the congregation to do? 

Read 1 Corinthians 5:13. Under divine inspiration, Paul wrote a letter directing that the unrepentant sinner be removed from the congregation. How were faithful Christians to treat him? Paul told them "to stop keeping company with him. What did that mean? Paul explained that this command included "not even eating with such a man." (1 Corinthians 5:11) Sitting down to a meal with someone can easily lead to having further association with him. Clearly, then, Paul meant that the congregation should not socialize with that man. This would protect the congregation from his corrupting influence. (1 Corinthians 5:5-7) Additionally, their avoiding close contact with the man might cause him to Realize how far he had strayed from Jehovah's ways, and he might feel shame and be moved to repent.

After sending his letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul began to wonder how the congregation would react to it. Eventually, Titus brought news that delighted him. The congregation had responded well to Paul's letter. (2 Corinthians 7:6, 7) They had followed his instructions. Furthermore, during the months that passed since Paul sent the letter, the wrongdoer had repented of his sinful course! He had changed his conduct and had begun to follow Jehovah's righteous standards. (2 Corinthians 7:8-11) What would Paul now direct the congregation to do? 

Next time: HOW THE CONGREGATION WAS TO TREAT THE REPENTANT SINNER

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