1 Corinthians 5:1–2: “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.”

Sin can enter the church. The church is made up of redeemed people who are still being sanctified, so we should not be surprised when believers struggle with sin. But when sin enters the church, it is never a small matter to be taken lightly.

The situation in Corinth was particularly grievous. Paul had received a report that a man in the church was involved sexually with his father’s wife. The sin was public, scandalous, and apparently ongoing. Yet as serious as the man’s behavior was, Paul’s concern was not limited to his sin. There was also something terribly wrong within the church.