Fornication As Was Not Named

The ages old sin; fornication. To illicit sexual intercourse is fornication. This sin has occurred since near the beginning of mankind upon the earth. One who participates in this filthy occupation is known as a prostitute; one who participates in this lewd act for money. However, it is not always participated in just for money. The lust of the flesh tends to lead to fornication by two willing participants. In either case, this behavior is sinful and abhorred by God.

But, this instance spoken of is more revolting, disgusting, than common fornication. It is ‘such as was not so much as named among the Gentiles.’ (1 Cor. 5:1)

Fornication was common among Gentiles; not so much in the Jews. The Jews had been given the Law of Moses concerning daily relationships. Let us notice some of them:

Lev. 18. We will read some of these verses together.

Vs. 6. 6 None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord.

Their nakedness, or nudity is implying shameful exposure; to approach is to imply an uncovering for an unclean purpose. Thus, to approach someone for fornication to a near kin is against the law of God.

Vss. 7-8. 7 The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 8 The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness.

When two are married, they become ‘one’ in the eyes of God. To uncover one is to uncover the other. Israelite males had multiple wives; a child born of one was her child. However, the father was still married to others and they belonged to the father.

In vss. 9-18, a list of other near kin is told. If they were kinfolk of yours, you were not to uncover their nakedness for the intent of any unclean purpose, nor see their nakedness for any reason. That list includes:

sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother; thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter; thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father but not thy mother; thy father's sister: thy mother's sister: the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt; the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness; the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter,; Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister.

These laws were to be known by the Jews and most of the time were adhered unto by them. However, Gentiles did not adhere to these laws of God. Lev. 18:3. 3 After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances. Gentiles were known to fornicate. God warned Israel not to do as the Gentiles do.

In Corinth, even this known fornication of this man was more ludicrous than normal for a Gentile; the man had his father’s wife. But no one seemed to be alarmed. Someone was alarmed to have written unto Apostle Paul to speak of the matter.

Perhaps this problem was addressed to Paul by a Jew for the Gentile’s sake. With a young congregation in the Faith, a respected man of God should address the situation. Perhaps few will be offended to leave the faith. Therefore, Paul addresses the situation with care but firmness.

If we see such behavior today, how are we to address the situation?

Do not ignore. Do not become ‘puffed up’--to make natural. (Strong’s G5448)

The church at Corinth saw this behavior as natural. Again, this indicated to the Gentile, fornication was a normal way of life.

1 Cor. 5:2. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

What about today, is fornication normal? Sadly, it occurs too often by too many in society; including those who claim Christianity. Our society wants to legalize means necessary to promote more fornication and not have to face the consequences thereof. It has become commonplace and is no longer regarded as a shameful thing.

The members have not mourned. In other words, they have not felt any shame nor remorse for the soul of the individual. Righteous people should be mindful and take care for the brother’s soul and its heavenly condition. To do nothing to correct the brother’s sinful condition is a sin. To not address the condition for the cause of Christ–the virtue of the Kingdom; the church–is also sin. If the righteous do not warn the unrighteous brethren of their possible loss of salvation because of a sinful condition, we will be held accountable by God.