What does 1 Corinthians 5:10 mean?

Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 1 Corinthians 5:10

Explanation

The verse 1 Corinthians 5:10 is found within the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth. This particular verse addresses the issue of how Christians should interact with morally corrupt individuals outside of the church community. Paul acknowledges that Christians cannot avoid interacting with non-believers who engage in sinful behaviors such as fornication, greed, extortion, or idolatry because to do so would require them to leave the world entirely. Instead, the verse suggests that Christians should differentiate between those within the church and those outside when it comes to expectations of moral discipline. The deeper meaning here is about the balance Christians have to maintain between being in the world and not being of it, and the specific boundaries of accountability within the Christian community.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by Paul roughly in the mid-first century AD, addressing issues within the church of Corinth. The city of Corinth was a center of commerce and had a reputation for its wealth and licentiousness. Located on an isthmus, it was a cosmopolitan city known for its diversity and pervasive moral laxity. In his letter, Paul responds to reports of various forms of immorality and divisions that had arisen in the Corinthian church. He seeks to counsel the Christians there on how to live a holy life in the midst of a culture that did not share their values.

Theological Insights

There are various theological interpretations of 1 Corinthians 5:10. From a traditional evangelical perspective, this verse could be used to support the idea that Christians are to be “in the world but not of the world.” This suggests that Christians need to engage with society while keeping their own conduct in line with Christian ethical standards, and that this balance is necessary to be witnesses to the gospel.

A liberation theology perspective might emphasize that the financial and social injustices mentioned (covetousness, extortion) require Christian action to correct societal wrongs. In this view, it is not enough to maintain personal piety, but one must also work towards societal transformation.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical applications, 1 Corinthians 5:10 might encourage modern believers to be discerning in their relationships with others. It could suggest that while they should not isolate themselves from society, they also should not condone or participate in immoral behavior. This might translate into ethical business practices, integrity in personal relationships, and an overall lifestyle that seeks to honor God’s standards without being judgmental of those outside the faith.

Cross-References

• Romans 12:2 – [“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”]
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 – [“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?… Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”]
• John 17:14-16 – [“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”]

Language Study

A word study of key terms in the original Greek could deepen the understanding of this verse:

• “Fornicators” comes from the Greek “pornois,” which typically refers to those engaging in sexual immorality.
• “Covetous” translates from “pleonektai,” which implies an insatiable desire for having more, often at the expense of others.
• “Extortioners” is from the Greek “harpages,” denoting those who seize or take by force, referring to exploitative practices.
• “Idolaters” originates from the word “eidōlolatrai,” indicating those who worship idols, or put other things in the place of the one true God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Greek society, practices such as idolatry, economic exploitation, and sexual permissiveness were often accepted and even celebrated. In contrast, early Christian communities sought to establish new norms based on the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. This provided a stark contrast to other religious interpretations of the period, which may have been more syncretic in nature, blending a variety of religious practices and moral codes.

Scientific Perspectives

While 1 Corinthians 5:10 does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, it touches on the broader discussion of human behavior and ethics. Modern psychology and sociology study the influence of cultural norms and personal values on behavior. In this way, the verse opens a conversation about the tension individuals might face when personal or group standards differ significantly from those of the surrounding society.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries provide insight into 1 Corinthians 5:10:

• The Matthew Henry Commentary views this passage as an indication of the necessity for Christians to engage with society while maintaining their distinctness in terms of moral and ethical living.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary suggests that Paul is delineating the boundaries of church discipline, emphasizing that judging those outside the church is not the responsibility of believers.
• The IVP New Testament Commentary Series reflects on the cultural clash between Christian ethics and the values of the pagan world of Corinth, illuminating the challenges Christians had to face within such a context.

Each commentary presents a somewhat different angle, but all agree on the importance of the teaching for the Christian community, both in Corinth and in contemporary settings.