1 Corinthians 5:10

not at all meaning with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world:

'not at all meaning' -'I didn't mean of course.' (Phi); 'I did not at all mean' (NASV)

'with the fornicators of this world, or with..' -i.e. immoral non-Christians.

Points to Note:

1. 'He urged the Corinthians in that former letter not to keep company with ungodly people. They took it to mean all ungodly people. He said: "That's not what. meant!" This makes it clear that inspired words can be misunderstood.' (McGuiggan p. 64)

2. And yet, why was Paul misunderstood? Had Paul been too vague?. am persuaded, considering the track record of Paul never to leave people in the dark on issues (Galatians 5:21), that some had deliberately misunderstood what Paul had taught on this subject.

'It is probable that this misinterpretation had been used as an excuse for inaction in reference to the guilty member.' [Note:. Erdman p. 66]

'This suggests, then, that the rather abrupt introduction of the former letter is part of the present argument. Their arrogance and boasting are probably related in part to their disregard or deliberate misinterpretation of Paul's former instructions...' (Fee p. 221)

I can just hear some in Corinth arguing, "Paul said we can't associate with fornicators, but if that is true, then. can't even go shopping in the market, or even go back to my job, why, such advice would force me to leave this world, HOW UNWORKABLE! You see, we can't depend on what this man says." Some might of been trying to justify the incestuous man by an argument that would run something like, "If we are supposed to withdraw from this fornicator, then what about our associations with "all" fornicators (Christian and non-Christian). And since withdrawing from the world is unworkable, therefore we can't withdraw from our brother either." Solomon was right, nothing new exists under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:9). modern version of this argument is, "We can't withdraw from anyone, seeing that everyone of us sins now and then."

3. God has an "imperfect" church (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) withdraw from. member. This proves that the church doesn't have to be "spotless" to exercise church discipline.

You see, this incestuous man could of argued, "Well those brethren in Corinth aren't exactly spotless themselves, why they are divided, carnal, full of pride and are even taking each other to court. What right do they have in withdrawing from me?" God's answer: Heaven gave them the right! (1 Corinthians 5:4) An Apostle of God told them to do so and even gave his consent. (1 Corinthians 5:4)

A great lesson is found here, the "right" to exercise discipline doesn't reside in the "moral perfection" of. congregation. Congregations don't earn the right to exercise church discipline, the church is always under the command of God to execute the commands in this and other passages.

'for then must ye needs go out of the world' -'you would need to get out of..human society altogether.' (Amp)

Points to Note:

1. If Jesus or Paul were upon this earth today, neither one of them would be found in. monastery. 'From Paul's point of view, the only way they can be. VIABLE alternative to the world is for them to be "in" the world, but not "of" if (John 17:15).' (Fee p. 223)

'Paul would of never recommended. kind of Christianity which withdrew from the world; to him Christianity was something that had to be lived out in the world...God..knows nothing of solitary religion..' (Barclay p. 52)

2. 'His Master didn't avoid the unforgiven! How in God's name are we going to evangelize the world for Christ if we stay away from ungodly people? Sometimes were so prissy it's nauseating!. friend of sinners, they called Christ. He wore his purity well! He wasn't isolated, he was insulated....We work at avoiding the unforgiven and then wonder why they aren't coming to Christ.' (McGuiggan p. 64)

Matthew 5:13; Matthew 9:10; Matthew 11:18; Luke 15:1; 1 Peter 2:16.

Paul even allowed Christians to eat in the homes of unbelievers. (1 Corinthians 10:27)