1 Corinthians 5:4

In the name. The sentence against the incestuous person was to be made by the authority of Jesus Christ, the head of the church (Eph. 5:24). His power was to be called on to make the sentence effective both in its spiritual application and in its relation to the physical separation of the guilty one from the church. The expression “in his name,” referring to Christ, is found in Matt. 12:21; Luke 24:47 with the idea of Jesus being the source of power and authority (see on Acts 3:16). Paul, as the divinely appointed apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; 13:2, 4; 22:21; Gal. 2:7, 8), exercised the authority delegated to him by Christ to tell the church at Corinth what should be done regarding this particular case.

Gathered together. It is the Redeemer’s plan to work through His church. The leaders of the church, together with the congregation, are empowered to take disciplinary action in the name of Christ when this becomes necessary, and such action, when proper procedures have been followed, is ratified in heaven (see on Matt. 16:19; cf. Matt. 18:15–20; John 20:23; 3T 428). It is to be noted that Paul did not assume the role of a dictator. He told them what his opinion was, and instructed them to assemble for the purpose of deciding this particular problem. He would not presume to administer discipline without the agreement of the church itself. This incident shows that no minister may claim the authority to decide the nature of disciplinary action and execute it without consulting the church. God Himself respects the authority that He has delegated to His church, and works through His own appointed agency for the conduct of His work on earth. An illustration of this plan is seen in the matter of Paul’s conversion. God directed one of the brethren of the company of believers at Damascus to visit the humbled Pharisee and pass on to him God’s instructions (see Acts 9:10-18; 3T 430, 431).

My spirit. See on v. 3.

Power of our Lord. Jesus promised that His power would be present with His church when they “gathered together” in His name (see Matt. 18:18-20).