Verse 6
Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many.
The tact and consideration of Paul are evident in his unwillingness even to mention either the name of the offender or to identify the shameful sin of which he was guilty.
Inflicted by the many ... This indicates that, according to his instructions (1 Corinthians 5:4), the whole congregation had dealt with the offender in a public gathering. There was no way to ease sin like that out of the church privately.
Sufficient ... This requires the understanding that the guilty man had put away his father's wife, acknowledging his sin, and returning to the congregation with a plea for forgiveness.
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