Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 5 - Verse 1

The verse "It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife" is from the book of 1 Corinthians in the New Testament. In this verse, the Apostle Paul is addressing a troubling situation within the Corinthian church where a man is engaging in a sexual relationship with his stepmother. This type of behavior was not even tolerated among the non-believers (Gentiles) of the time, highlighting the severity of the situation. Paul is admonishing the church for allowing such immoral conduct to go unchecked in their midst.

Paul's strong language and condemnation of this behavior serves as a reminder to believers to uphold moral standards and avoid falling into sinful practices. The verse challenges the Corinthian church, and by extension all believers, to live lives that honor God and reflect His righteousness. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and avoiding sexual immorality within the church community. Ultimately, this verse serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the need for godly living in accordance with biblical principles.

Paul's admonition to the Corinthians in this verse highlights the severity of the sin of fornication within the Christian community. The Greek word used for fornication here is 'porneia,' which refers to any sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage. The presence of such immorality within the church was not only scandalous but also unheard of even among the pagan Gentiles. The phrase 'his father's wife' likely refers to a case of incest within the congregation, a sin so egregious that even non-believers would find it abhorrent.

The theological implications of this verse point to the importance of maintaining moral purity within the body of believers. In the larger context of Paul's letters, sexual immorality is repeatedly condemned as incompatible with the Christian faith. The Corinthian church's tolerance of such behavior was a serious issue that needed to be addressed promptly in order to maintain the integrity and witness of the church community.