I. What is that separation from the world which Christianity requires — It must be confessed, that the expressions in our text are often quoted and urged in too unqualified a manner, and without a due consideration of the dif- ference between the heathen world, amongst whom the Corinthians dwelt, and the professedly Christian world, amongst whom we dwell. Certainly a greater measure of separation was necessary for them than for us : inasmuch as the dangers to which intercourse with heathens would subject them, were greater than those to which we are exposed by intercourse with those who profess the same faith with ourselves. Even they were not debarred from the courtesies of social life% nor from some degree of intercourse even with the most ungodly and profane'' : much less are we from such a measure of communication with them, as is necessary for the discharge of our civil and social duties. But still we must "not be un- equally yoked with them :"
1. We must not have fellowship with them in any of their evil deeds —
[It is probable that in the caution here given, the Apostle had some respect to idolatrous ceremonies^ and idol feasts, in which a true Christian could not consistently take any part. Being himself " the temple of God, he could not have any communion with idols." Not but that the prohibition must extend also to every kind of evil, as well as to idolatry : for, in another place, the same Apostle speaks of *' uncleanness, and covetousness, and foolish talking, and jesting, as bringing down the wrath of God upon all the children of disobedience ;" and then adds, " Be not ye therefore partakers with them :" and again, " Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them^" This therefore is a law unto us, and to the Church of God in all ages, that, though we may to a certain degree unite with ungodly men in things that are indifferent, we must not unite with them in any thing that is evil, however much it may be sanctioned by the customs and usages of the world : " we must not follow a multitude to do evil."]
2. We must not form any close connexion with them —
a 1 Cor. X, 27. " 1 Cor. v. 9, 10. <= Eph. v. 3—7, 11.