A case of church discipline in 1 Corinthians 5

Authors

  • Gennadi SERGIENKO Gennadi served as Academic Dean of Moscow Theological Seminary., Russian Federation

Keywords:

1 Corinthians 5, church discipline, church in Corinth,

Abstract

A case of immoral behavior at the church in Corinth threatened the reputation of the Christian community. The community itself, however, due to some theological and social factors, did not realize the seriousness of the threat. Most probably such behavior was perceived as an example of the new “spiritual” freedom of the believers. The situation might have been further complicated if the sinning brother was one of the influential patrons of the church. In trying to correct the situation, Paul points to the incompatibility of sin with the status of the Christian. In arguing his position, Paul creatively reapplies the Old Testament Scriptures to a qualitatively new situation. In so doing, he sets a precedent for ministers of the Word of our day.

Author Biography

Gennadi SERGIENKO, Gennadi served as Academic Dean of Moscow Theological Seminary.

Gennadi Sergienko was born and raised in Moscow. He is a graduate of Moscow Institute of Building Engineering (1980), and of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1994). From 1994 to 1999 Gennadi served as Academic Dean of Moscow Theological Seminary. He is currently a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary. Gennadi is married to Vera Sergienko; they have two children.

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How to Cite

SERGIENKO, Gennadi. 2016. “A Case of Church Discipline in 1 Corinthians 5”. Theological Reflections: Eastern European Journal of Theology, no. 2 (June):21-33. http://reflections.eeit-edu.info/article/view/87999.