What does 1 Corinthians 5:10 mean by "not at all meaning the people of this world"? Immediate Literary Setting “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral …” (1 Corinthians 5:9-11). Paul has just exposed a flagrant case of incest in the Corinthian assembly (5:1-2) and has commanded corporate discipline (5:3-5). Verse 10 clarifies that his ban on association targets those inside the church who persist in sin, not the unbelieving society at large. Historical-Cultural Background First-century Corinth was a commercial hub notorious for sexual permissiveness (confirmed by Strabo, Geogr. 8.6.20). Converts still lived amid family, trade guilds, and civic festivals saturated with idolatry. A command to cut every tie would have rendered commerce, employment, and evangelism impossible. Old Testament Parallels Israel was called to remain distinct (Leviticus 20:26) yet was placed “among the nations” (Ezekiel 36:22-23) to display Yahweh’s holiness. Joseph served in Pharaoh’s court; Daniel in Babylon. Separation concerned covenant loyalty, not physical removal. New Testament Echoes • Jesus prayed, “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). • He was criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:29-32). • Paul later explains, “We are ambassadors” to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). Ambassadors live in foreign territory while representing their sovereign. Theological Tension: Holiness vs. Mission 1 Cor 5 balances two divine mandates: 1. Purity of the people of God (Leviticus 11:44; Ephesians 5:27). 2. Presence among the lost to proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:19; Philippians 2:15-16). Isolationism would betray the Great Commission; compromise would betray holiness. Paul’s solution: remove the unrepentant insider, remain among outsiders. Practical Congregational Application • Church Discipline: Verse 11 restricts table fellowship (including the Lord’s Table) with professing believers in gross, unrepentant sin. • Secular Interaction: Christians may work for, trade with, befriend, and compassionately serve unbelievers. Normal societal engagement becomes a platform for witness (1 Peter 2:12). • Boundaries: While friendships with unbelievers are assumed, believers must refuse participation in sin (Ephesians 5:11) and be wary of moral corruption (1 Corinthians 15:33). Common Misreadings Addressed 1. Total Separationism: Refuted by Paul’s explicit phrase “not at all meaning.” 2. Moral Relativism: Paul is not soft on sin; judgment begins “with God’s household” (1 Peter 4:17). 3. Permitting Church Hypocrisy: The sharpest action is reserved for those who “claim to be a brother” yet persist in vice. Conclusion “Not at all meaning the people of this world” means Paul never intended believers to withdraw from ordinary interactions with unbelievers. The command targets unrepentant insiders, preserving the church’s witness while leaving believers free—and responsible—to engage a lost world with the redeeming news of the resurrected Christ. |
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