I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” (1 Co 5:9–13).
Like our previous discussion, this passage contains Paul's suggestion to "deliver such a one to Satan..." It has been subject to misinterpretation over the years. The distortion we have observed begins with creating a false dichotomy of "us versus them."
During my upbringing as a Jehovah's Witness, the "us" referred to the devoted followers of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, while the "them" encompassed everyone outside this circle. A sense of safety was cultivated by associating only with fellow "little flock" members. Remarkably, this technique of dividing and controlling has been employed by cults and numerous churches. I recall encountering phrases such as "safety in the cluster" within different church circles, and admittedly, I have used this expression myself. Although this concept has a kernel of truth, Paul's intention in this passage diverges from its misuse.
Paul does not advocate avoiding interaction, meals, or conversations with morally questionable or sinful individuals. The context of this passage clarifies his stance:
"..not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person."
Let’s be clear and define these terms according to the New Testament.
Sexual immorality,
Sexual immorality, defined by the New Testament (NT) teachings, refers to any behavior or activity that deviates from the standards of sexual conduct established by God and taught through Jesus Christ and the apostles. The NT emphasizes a high moral standard for sexual behavior, advocating purity, fidelity, and respect within intimate relationships. Several passages highlight the concept of sexual immorality and provide insights into what behaviors fall under this category:
Fornication: Fornication encompasses sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage, including premarital sex. It is highlighted as a violation of the sanctity of the marriage covenant and is discouraged in various NT passages, such as 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and Galatians 5:19-21.
Adultery: Adultery involves engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one's spouse while being married. Jesus explicitly condemns adultery in his teachings, emphasizing the importance of marital faithfulness (Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 19:9).
Homosexuality: The NT addresses same-sex sexual activity, describing it as contrary to God's design for human relationships. Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 refer to same-sex acts in a list of behaviors that deviate from God's intention.
Lust: Jesus teaches that harboring lustful thoughts and desires, even without acting upon them, is a form of sexual immorality. He emphasizes the importance of controlling one's thoughts and desires to maintain the purity of heart (Matthew 5:27-28).
Pornography: While the NT does not explicitly mention modern forms of pornography, the principles of purity and avoiding lustful thoughts align with the condemnation of explicit and degrading sexual content.
Prostitution: The NT discourages engaging in prostitution, emphasizing the value of honoring one's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and treating others with dignity (1 Corinthians 6:15-20).
Sexual Exploitation: The NT promotes mutual consent and respect within sexual relationships. Sexual exploitation or coercion goes against these principles and can be considered sexually immoral.
Covetousness - Covetousness," as elucidated by the teachings of the New Testament (NT), refers to an excessive and inappropriate desire for material possessions, status, or wealth that goes beyond reasonable or lawful bounds. The NT emphasizes the importance of contentment, gratitude, and focusing on spiritual values rather than being consumed by an insatiable longing for worldly goods.
Idolater -"Idolater," as illuminated by the New Testament (NT) teachings, refers to a person who worships or venerates false gods or objects of devotion, thereby diverting their allegiance and devotion away from the one true God. The NT underscores the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and warns against the spiritual dangers of idolatry.
A Reviler - In the New Testament (NT) teachings, a "reviler" refers to an individual who engages in verbal abuse, slander, or malicious speech towards others. The NT emphasizes the importance of using words to edify, encourage, and build up one another rather than using them to harm or tear down.
A Drunkard - In the teachings of the New Testament (NT), a "drunkard" refers to an individual who habitually engages in excessive consumption of alcohol to the point of intoxication, leading to impaired judgment, behavior, and self-control. The NT emphasizes the importance of temperance, self-discipline, and avoiding the harmful effects of excessive drinking.
An Extortioner - An "extortioner" refers to a person who unjustly uses deceit, manipulation, or coercion to acquire money, goods, or possessions from others. The NT emphasizes the principles of honesty, integrity, and treating others with fairness and respect.
Here, the situation involves a man engaging in an inappropriate relationship with his stepmother. This behavior was considered repugnant even by the standards of Paul's time. The individual identified as a member of the Corinthian fellowship and professed to be a believer or "Christian." Paul's directive is aimed at those within the Christian community who persist in unrepentant wrongdoing.
"Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world."
Paul emphasizes that this guideline does not apply to non-believers. The passage does not endorse isolating ourselves from morally differing individuals in the secular realm. Seeing believers becoming perturbed when non-believers do not adhere to biblical principles is amusing. It's crucial to recognize that biblical texts are intended for believers, not for those who do not share the faith. The imperatives outlined in the New Testament pertain to Christians and not to non-Christians. The Bible offers no mandate for Christians to impose their values on unbelievers. The sole imperative for Christians concerning morality is to maintain an exemplary lifestyle. In other scriptural passages, we are advised to avoid tarnishing our reputation and to counter misconceptions with love and virtuous actions.
In a world often divided by labels, from "us versus them" to "faithful versus worldly," the profound wisdom of Paul's words gleams through the fog of misinterpretation. Echoing across the corridors of time, his call to "deliver such a one to Satan..." has been misconstrued into a battle cry against those who differ rather than a plea for accountability within the family of believers. Through personal experience as a former Jehovah's Witness, I've witnessed the ominous dance of "safety in the cluster," a dance not exclusive to cults but taken up by even well-intentioned churches. The boundaries drawn between the virtuous and the sinful, the sanctified and the secular, often blur the compassionate lines Paul intended to be etched in understanding.
Paul's voice channeled through the ages, reclaims its resonance, challenging us to embrace our fellow humans without the weight of misguided righteousness. His words do not erect walls against those who stand apart, nor do they endorse self-righteous isolation. Instead, Paul's essence beckons believers to engage with a world vibrant in its diversity, reminding us that the teachings of the faith are not mandates to brandish against outsiders but a mirror to reflect our own conduct. In an era where convictions often crumble in the face of skepticism, let us not wield scriptures as weapons but wield ourselves as living testimonies, standing firm in our convictions while embracing others with the very love that defines our faith.
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