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In chaps. 5-6 of the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul deals with some matters regarding community life. In 5:1-13 he specifically mentions the presence of incest, stressing however the proud attitude that exists in the community. A sudden change of theme marks the second development in 6:1-11, this time the Apostle reprimands the Corinthians for choosing to go to pagan courts in order to resolve disputes among believers. In the concluding passage of 6:12-20 Paul returns to the theme of immorality, but this time placing it on a more general anthropological level.
The diversity of the topics, however, makes it difficult to identify the logic of the passage as a whole and the argumentative progression that links these three literary units. The purpose of this article is to show how 1 Cor 5-6 constitutes a coherent argument and an exhortation path in which the Apostle, in the face of current problems of the community, not only provides solutions, but leads the Corinthians to become aware of the anthropological and ecclesiological consequences of their faith in the risen Christ.