What does 1 Corinthians 5:9 mean?

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 1 Corinthians 5:9

Explanation

1 Corinthians 5:9 is a verse from a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth. In this verse, Paul references a previous letter he had written to the Corinthians, which is not part of the New Testament canon. He reminds the Corinthians of his earlier instructions, which included an admonition not to associate with sexually immoral people, labeled here as “fornicators.” Paul is emphasizing that the Christian life comes with certain moral expectations, and those in the community who openly defy such standards should not be part of the Christian fellowship. He is urging the church to maintain purity and to distance themselves from individuals engaging in immoral behaviors that contradict their professed beliefs.

Historical Context

The city of Corinth was a major trade hub in ancient Greece and had a reputation for sexual permissiveness and various forms of immorality. The early church in Corinth was composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts, and it faced challenges in navigating the cultural norms and pressures of their society. By the time Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, the Christian community had begun to struggle with various moral and doctrinal issues, prompting Paul to address these in his letter. The previous “epistle,” which he mentions in 5:9, was one of admonition and instruction for a church navigating how to live out their new faith amid a morally complex environment.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, 1 Corinthians 5:9 reflects the call for holiness and purity within the church body. It suggests that the Christian community is to be set apart from prevailing cultural norms, especially those that are at odds with Christian moral teaching. There is also an underlying principle of church discipline; Paul advocates for a boundary between the church and the unrepentant individual who engages in blatant sinfulness. This concept is foundational for many Christian traditions that practice forms of excommunication or disfellowship as a means of maintaining the purity of the church.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, 1 Corinthians 5:9 can be applied today by encouraging individuals and church communities to foster environments that uphold their core moral beliefs. This entails discernment in relationships and interactions, to ensure alignment with Christian values. Christians are encouraged to reach out to those who are struggling but to have clear boundaries when it comes to persistent, unrepentant behavior that contradicts their faith. The broader application of this verse might involve engaging with society in a way that is neither assimilated to nor isolated from it, but rather a distinctive and transformative presence.

Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
• 1 Corinthians 5:11: “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
• Ephesians 5:3: “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek of 1 Corinthians 5:9 are “ἔγραψα” (egrapa, “I wrote”), “ἐπιστολή” (epistolē, “epistle” or “letter”), and “πόρνοις” (pornois, “fornicators”). “Egrapa” is a verb in the aorist tense, indicating a past action, confirming that Paul is referencing a previous communication. “Epistolē” refers to the written communication by which Paul had once instructed the church. The term “pornois” is a plural form of “pornos,” which specifically denotes those engaged in sexual immorality. The usage emphasizes a clear identification of behavior that contradicts Christian ethical standards.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In exploring cultural and religious comparisons, it is important to note that many ancient religions and cultures had different attitudes toward sexual behavior than those propounded by Paul and the early Christian church. For instance, in Greco-Roman society, sexual permissiveness was often part of religious practices and social norms, whereas Christianity introduced a different sexual ethic centered on monogamy and chastity. Paul’s teachings were, therefore, countercultural in insisting on sexual purity among believers.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, modern psychology and sociology might study the effects of community standards and behaviors on individual conduct. While the verse does not directly engage with scientific ideas, the principle of excluding immoral individuals from a community can be viewed through the lens of social influence and behavior modification. Furthermore, the modern understanding of sexually transmitted infections highlights the practicality of sexual ethics in protecting the health of a community.

Commentaries

Commentators on 1 Corinthians 5:9, often reflect on the challenge that Paul faced in guiding a nascent church through moral complexities. John Calvin notes the necessity of shunning those who scandalize the church, while John Wesley focuses on the social consequences of associating with openly immoral individuals. Modern scholars might emphasize the verse’s implications for church discipline and the maintenance of communal integrity. Overall, expert analysis of this verse underscores its significance for understanding early Christian community boundaries and the application of Paul’s instructions in the ongoing life of the church.