1 Corinthians 5:9

Paul had written this congregation a previous letter that is no longer extant. [Note: See my comments on this letter in the Introduction section of these notes.] In it he urged the Corinthians to avoid associating with fornicators. The same Greek word, pornois, occurs here as in 1 Corinthians 5:1. In view of this instruction the Corinthians’ toleration of the incestuous brother in the church was especially serious.