1 Corinthians 5:9

In an epistle. Literally, “in the epistle,” which may also be rendered “in my epistle,” that is, in my letter. This can hardly be understood of the letter he is now writing, for it does not contain the injunction here referred to. Furthermore, if Paul was referring to the letter he was writing, the phrase “in my letter” would be unnecessary.

This letter is not now extant. That it was the apostle’s habit to write letters to the churches is evident from 2 Cor. 10:9, 10. The letters preserved in the NT for our benefit form only part of the total instruction given through Paul to the many groups of believers whom he had organized into churches.

Company with. Gr. sunanamignumi, “to mix up together,” “to have close or habitual association with.” Compare the use of the word in 2 Thess. 3:14. God does not want His people to be exposed to the corrupting influence of rebellious sinners, and He warns believers not to get on intimate terms with them. It is not a prohibition against speaking to them or attempting to reclaim them, but against maintaining close, friendly relations with them.

Fornicators. This term refers to those depraved individuals who indulge in unlawful sexual intercourse for gain, or simply for the gratification of their own lustful desires. Such practices are abhorrent to the Lord (see 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5; 1 Tim. 1:9, 10; Rev. 21:8; 22:15).