1 Corinthians 5:5 (ESV)

5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

To remove this man from the church (1 Corinthians 5:2, 1 Corinthians 5:13) is also to deliver him to Satan. Note that this action is not performed by Paul himself (although he has already decided that it should be done, and although he will be present in spirit). The act of delivering a sinner to Satan takes place when the church comes together in the name and power of the Lord Jesus.

Paul does not explain how this action is to be performed. It is conceivable that a formula would be pronounced, such as, Gathered in the name of the Lord Jesus and with his power, we, together with Paul who is present in spirit, deliver X to Satan.

The aim of this action is explained in the second part of the verse. First, the sinner’s flesh should suffer destruction. This is clearly a reference to Job (particularly to the Greek translation of Job 2:6, where God is said to deliver Job to Satan).

The idea is that this man will no longer enjoy the protection of Christ. Consequently, he will suffer all kinds of afflictions and will find no rest or peace. Satan’s role in bodily and other afflictions is attested to in other parts of the New Testament (Luke 13:11, Luke 13:16; 2 Corinthians 12:7).

But there is a second, ultimate aim. Having experienced the consequences of his rebellion, this sinner will hopefully repent and be saved. Later, when Paul delivers Hymenaeus and Alexander to Satan, it will be with the same aim in mind (1 Timothy 1:20).