1 Corinthians 5:9-11
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The really striking thing here is that Paul had already written about this. This isn't a new command, but a reminder and correction, implying the Corinthian church might have been ignoring or misinterpreting his previous instruction. It shows Paul's persistent effort to guide them toward holiness, even when they've been slow to listen.
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a deeply troubling situation within the Corinthian church where a man is openly involved with his stepmother, a practice so egregious it wasn't even tolerated among non-believers. This verse is the beginning of Paul reiterating a previous instruction he’d given them in a letter they likely no longer have, emphasizing the need for the church to purify itself from such sin by removing those who stubbornly refuse to change. The following verses will detail how to handle this difficult but necessary process of church discipline.
Ever felt confused about who should be in your circle? Paul addresses this directly, offering a clear directive for the Corinthian church.
Paul begins this letter by reminding the Corinthians of a previous instruction he had given them. The core issue here is the church's responsibility to maintain its purity.
Maintaining Purity
When Paul says "not to associate with sexually immoral people," he's not advocating for a 'holier-than-thou' isolation. Instead, he's calling the church to set boundaries for its own spiritual health and witness. Association here implies a level of endorsement or acceptance that could compromise the community's integrity. It's about protecting the flock from influences that could lead them astray or damage the church's reputation before the world.
Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is say 'no'. Paul's instruction here might seem harsh, but it's rooted in deep care for the church's well-being.
Paul's command isn't about cutting off everyone who stumbles. It's a stern warning against normalizing or tolerating unrepentant sin within the community.
Defining "Associate"
When Paul uses the term 'associate,' he's talking about more than just casual contact. It suggests a level of fellowship that implies approval or participation. The Corinthian church had a problem with allowing individuals, possibly even within their own ranks, to live in open sexual immorality without consequence. Paul's directive aims to correct this dangerous permissiveness and protect the spiritual environment of the church.
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Understand the original words
pornos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Refers to a life defined by sexual relations outside the covenant of marriage; it encompasses a broad range of sexual behaviors that violate God’s design for human sexuality.
pleonektēs · Greek Noun
A covetous or rapacious desire for more, often at the expense of others; it is a form of idolatry that elevates material possessions or desires above God.
harpax · Greek Noun
Refers to individuals who use deceptive or dishonest means to gain money or property from others, embodying a lack of integrity and exploitation of one’s neighbor.
eidōlolatrēs · Greek Noun
The worship of created things or false gods instead of the Creator; biblically, it is the fundamental rejection of God's sovereignty, whether through objects, status, or self-worship.
adelphos · Greek Noun
One who belongs to the family of God through faith in Christ; a fellow member of the body of Christ. The term signifies a relational bond based on shared spiritual life.
porneia · Greek Noun
Sexual relations outside of the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, encompassing all forms of illicit sexual activity. In a biblical context, it is a serious violation of God's design for human intimacy and holiness.
pleonektēs · Greek Noun
An intense, selfish desire for more, often involving wealth or possessions. It is condemned in Scripture as a form of idolatry, as it places material gain above trust in God.
eidōlolatrēs · Greek Noun
A person who worships or venerates anything other than the one true God. This includes both physical images and spiritual or emotional substitutes that replace God's rightful place in a person's life.
loidoros · Greek Noun
One who speaks abusively, insultingly, or railingly against others. This conduct is viewed as inconsistent with the character of a believer, who is called to speak life and truth.
methysos · Greek Noun
A person who is enslaved to alcohol or intoxicants, resulting in a loss of self-control and sober-mindedness. The Bible consistently warns against drunkenness as a hindrance to godly living.
harpax · Greek Noun
A person who obtains money or property through deceit, fraud, or exploitation of others. This term emphasizes the lack of integrity and love for one's neighbor.
This verse refers to a letter Paul wrote *before* the canonical 1 Corinthians, which is now lost. Understanding this lost letter's context helps us see how Paul was building upon previous instructions and addressing a persistent problem in the Corinthian church.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spends about 18 months in Corinth, establishing a church among a diverse and often tumultuous population in this major Roman port city.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul Writes a Lost Letter
Paul writes an earlier letter to the Corinthians, likely addressing specific issues they raised and warning them about associating with immoral individuals within the church.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Responding to reports and questions from Corinth, Paul writes the canonical letter of 1 Corinthians, including this passage, to further correct and guide the church.
c. AD 56
Paul Visits Corinth
Paul likely makes a visit to Corinth after writing 1 Corinthians, possibly a difficult one, where he addresses the ongoing issues.
This passage directly follows the verse and provides clarification, explaining that the instruction not to associate was specifically for those *within the church* who were identified as sexually immoral, not for the broader world.
2 Thessalonians 3:14This verse echoes the same sentiment, instructing believers to 'have no company with' someone who is disobedient to the apostolic teaching, highlighting the need for boundaries within the community.
Matthew 18:17Jesus Himself speaks about church discipline, stating that if someone refuses to listen even to the church, they should be treated as a Gentile and a tax collector, implying a separation or marked distance.
1 Corinthians 15:33This verse offers a proverb about the corrupting influence of bad company, reinforcing the underlying principle of why Paul urged separation from those practicing immorality – to protect the spiritual health of the community.
The really striking thing here is that Paul had already written about this. This isn't a new command, but a reminder and correction, implying the Corinthian church might have been ignoring or misinterpreting his previous instruction. It shows Paul's persistent effort to guide them toward holiness, even when they've been slow to listen.
Paul is addressing a deeply troubling situation within the Corinthian church where a man is openly involved with his stepmother, a practice so egregious it wasn't even tolerated among non-believers. This verse is the beginning of Paul reiterating a previous instruction he’d given them in a letter they likely no longer have, emphasizing the need for the church to purify itself from such sin by removing those who stubbornly refuse to change. The following verses will detail how to handle this difficult but necessary process of church discipline.
Paul is addressing a deeply troubling situation within the Corinthian church where a man is openly involved with his stepmother, a practice so egregious it wasn't even tolerated among non-believers. This verse is the beginning of Paul reiterating a previous instruction he’d given them in a letter they likely no longer have, emphasizing the need for the church to purify itself from such sin by removing those who stubbornly refuse to change. The following verses will detail how to handle this difficult but necessary process of church discipline.
"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am wri…" — The really striking thing here is that Paul had already written about this. This isn't a new command, but a reminder and correction, implying the Corinthian church might have been ignoring or misin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
