1 Corinthians 5:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 5:9
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 5 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, discipleship, creation. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 5:9
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
Analysis
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators—Paul references an earlier, now-lost letter (the 'previous letter') instructing the Corinthians to avoid close association (synanamignymi, "mix together with") sexually immoral people. This verse clarifies that church discipline isn't new; Paul had previously taught separation from persistent, unrepentant sin. Pornos (πόρνος, "fornicator") denotes those practicing sexual immorality as a lifestyle.
The instruction "not to company with" didn't mean zero contact (that's impossible, v. 10) but refusing intimate fellowship—particularly shared meals, which in ancient culture signified acceptance and unity. The church must maintain boundaries distinguishing it from the world while remaining in the world as witnesses. This verse introduces Paul's critical distinction (vv. 10-13) between judging insiders versus outsiders—the church disciplines its members but doesn't police the world.
Historical Context
First Corinthians isn't Paul's first letter to Corinth; he references a 'previous letter' here and possibly in 2 Corinthians 2:3-4, 7:8. Ancient Christians often shared meals (agape feasts, love feasts) expressing unity (Acts 2:42-46). Refusing table fellowship was a strong statement of non-recognition, similar to Jesus eating with sinners to show acceptance (Luke 15:2) versus the church's refusal to eat with the immoral 'brother' (v. 11).
Reflection
- How do you maintain relationships with non-Christians without endorsing or participating in their sin?
- What does it mean to be 'in the world but not of it' in your specific context?
- How can you show both grace to unbelievers and standards for church members without hypocrisy?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 6:14, Ephesians 5:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 3:14