1 Corinthians 5:11- “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is continuing his correction of the Corinthian church, making it clear that his previous instruction was misunderstood. In verse 10, he clarified that he was not telling them to avoid unbelievers who sin—because if that were the case, they would have to leave the world entirely!

Now, in verse 11, he explains exactly who they should avoid: those who claim to be Christians but live in unrepentant sin. He lists several specific sins:

• Sexual immorality – Engaging in any form of sexual sin outside of God’s design for marriage.
• Greed – A constant hunger for wealth and possessions at the expense of others.
• Idolatry – Worshiping anything other than God, whether money, power, or false gods.
• Slander – Speaking maliciously about others, damaging reputations.
• Drunkenness – Habitual overuse of alcohol, leading to reckless living.
• Swindling – Dishonest business dealings, cheating others for personal gain.

Paul commands believers to distance themselves from such people, even refusing to eat with them. In ancient times, sharing a meal symbolized close fellowship. Paul is saying that Christians should not maintain close, approving relationships with unrepentant believers who are living in sin.

The purpose of this separation is not to be cruel but to wake them up spiritually, leading them to repentance.

Historical Context

Corinth was a wealthy, immoral city, filled with idol worship, sexual sin, and corrupt business practices. Many of the believers in the Corinthian church had come out of these sinful lifestyles (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

However, some continued living in sin while claiming to follow Christ. Instead of confronting these sins, the church tolerated them—perhaps thinking they were being “gracious” or “nonjudgmental.”

Paul rebukes this false idea of grace. True Christian love does not ignore sin—it calls people to holiness. Paul is instructing the church to remove fellowship from unrepentant believers, not as a final rejection, but as a disciplinary action meant to lead them to repentance.

Theological Implications

1. Church Discipline is Necessary for Holiness – This passage teaches that the church cannot ignore sin within its own community. Sin affects not just the individual but the entire body of believers.

2. Christian Accountability is Biblical – Paul’s words show that believers must hold each other accountable. This is not about being judgmental but about encouraging repentance and spiritual growth (Galatians 6:1).

3. There is a Difference Between Unbelievers and Unrepentant “Believers” – The Bible calls us to reach out to non-Christians in love, but it also calls us to remove fellowship from those who claim Christ yet refuse to repent (Titus 3:10).

4. Discipline Should Lead to Restoration – The goal is not punishment but repentance and restoration (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). If the person repents, they should be welcomed back into the church family.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s language in this verse is direct and firm. He is not suggesting an option—he is giving a command.

• “But now I am writing to you” – This shows he is clarifying a previous misunderstanding.
• “Anyone who claims to be a brother or sister” – The focus is on those who call themselves Christians but continue in sin.
• “Do not even eat with such people” – In that culture, sharing a meal meant fellowship and approval. Paul is saying not to maintain close relationships with unrepentant believers, as it sends the wrong message.

Paul’s tone is strong because the stakes are high. If sin is tolerated in the church, it spreads and weakens the entire body.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 18:15-17 – Jesus’ teaching on how to handle a sinning believer, ending with removal if they refuse to repent.
• Galatians 6:1 – Encourages believers to restore a sinning brother gently, but with caution.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Commands believers to avoid those who refuse to follow godly teaching.
• Titus 3:10 – Says to warn a divisive person twice, then remove them if they do not change.
• 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 – Paul later tells the church to forgive and restore a disciplined believer who repents.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges believers to think carefully about their relationships.

• Do we have close friendships with people who claim to follow Christ but live in open sin?
• Are we unwilling to confront sin in our own church for fear of being seen as judgmental?
• Do we confuse love with tolerance of sin?

Many churches today struggle with this. Some churches avoid discipline entirely, leading to compromise and worldliness. Others become harsh and unforgiving, failing to show grace to those who repent.

The biblical balance is this:

1. We should reach out to non-Christians with love and truth.
2. We should lovingly confront sin inside the church.
3. We should remove unrepentant believers from fellowship—but always with the hope of their restoration.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, removing someone from fellowship might seem unloving, but in reality, it reflects God’s deep love.

1. God Loves His Church and Wants it to be Pure – Just as a loving parent disciplines a child, God disciplines His people to protect them from harm (Hebrews 12:6).
2. God’s Love Seeks Restoration, Not Punishment – The goal is repentance, not rejection (2 Corinthians 7:10).
3. God’s Love is Firm and Uncompromising – True love does not tolerate sin because sin destroys lives (Romans 6:23).

God calls His people to reflect His holiness, not just in words but in actions. That is why church discipline, when done biblically, is an act of love.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus Himself practiced both grace and truth (John 1:14).

• Jesus Ate with Sinners (Luke 5:30-32) – He reached out to the lost, but He always called them to repentance.
• Jesus Confronted Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27) – He had strong words for those who claimed to follow God but lived in sin.
• Jesus Established the Church for Holiness (Ephesians 5:25-27) – He died to make the church pure and set apart.

Paul’s teaching here follows Jesus’ example. The church must reflect both the grace of Christ (by welcoming sinners) and the holiness of Christ (by addressing sin in its midst).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse help us understand the difference between judging outsiders and holding believers accountable?
2. Why do you think Paul takes such a strong stance on unrepentant believers?
3. How can churches today practice discipline in a way that reflects both truth and love?
4. Have you ever had to distance yourself from a believer who refused to repent? How did it impact your faith?
5. How does Jesus’ example of grace and truth help us apply this teaching today?