Tag: Wicked People

Today is August 4, 2025

First Corinthians 5:9–13 (KJV) 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 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. 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. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Verse Context

This portion of Paul’s letter is part of his sharp rebuke of the Corinthian church. Corinth was notorious for its sexual immorality, tied heavily to pagan worship in the temple of Aphrodite. When Paul speaks of “fornicators” (Greek pornos [πόρνος], meaning sexually immoral), he’s addressing behavior that was normalized in their culture but intolerable among God’s people.

Here, Paul clarifies that he is not telling them to withdraw from unbelievers who commit such sins, if that were the case, they would have to “go out of the world.” Instead, his concern is with professing believers who persist in sin without repentance. These individuals, who call themselves “brothers,” defile the church’s witness and fellowship.

Notice in verse 11 how Paul expands the list beyond fornication to include greed (covetous), idolatry (worship of created things or false gods), verbal abuse (railer), drunkenness, and extortion. The phrase “with such an one no not to eat” refers to both table fellowship and participation in the Lord’s Supper, a clear sign of broken fellowship due to unrepentant sin.

Broader Context

The surrounding chapter provides the full picture of church discipline. In verses 1–8, Paul rebukes their pride in tolerating an egregious sin, a man having a sexual relationship with his stepmother. Their failure to act shows a lack of grief and discernment. By verses 9–13, Paul draws a dividing line between the world (those “without”) and the church (those “within”).

Paul’s rhetorical question in verse 12, “do not ye judge them that are within?”, reminds us that the responsibility to guard holiness lies with the church. God alone judges those outside the covenant community. In verse 13, the command “put away from among yourselves that wicked person” echoes Deuteronomy 17:7 (“so shalt thou put the evil away from among you”) and shows that even in the New Covenant, God’s people are called to holiness.

Application

Appreciating God’s Greatness

God is both merciful and holy. His church reflects His character by holding fast to truth and purity, not to earn His favor, but to walk in His light (1 John 1:7).

For the Believer

This passage challenges us to love enough to confront. Paul’s instructions are not about harsh judgment but about protecting the Body of Christ and restoring the sinner. If we ignore sin among those who claim Christ, we dishonor the Lord and harm our witness.

Call to Action: Examine your circle of fellowship. Are there unrepentant patterns of sin that need loving confrontation? Pray for humility and courage, knowing that your goal is restoration, not rejection.

For the Unbeliever

God’s people are called to a different standard, but the invitation to join His family remains open. Christ bore the penalty for all sin, including fornication, idolatry, and greed, so that those who repent and believe can be made new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Final Encouragement

Holiness may cost relationships, but it honors God and strengthens His church. Stand firm in truth, and trust God’s justice for those outside the fellowship.

Our Prayer For You

Lord God, give us discerning hearts and loving courage to keep Your church pure. Help us walk humbly and seek restoration for our brothers and sisters caught in sin. And for those outside the faith, draw them with Your kindness into repentance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing

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Shalom Shalom.