This passage has important implications. First, biblical teaching on association with sinners has two threads: separation and engagement. Jesus engaged tax collectors and sinners, and God’s people are always willing to spend time with unbelievers. But passages such as 2 Timothy 2:19 warn us to separate from people who profess faith but deny it in word and deed. If we encounter false teachers or libertines, we warn them (Matt. 18:15–18; 1 Cor. 5:9–13). We do not act as though we were one with them.

這段話有重要的含義。首先，聖經關於與罪人交往的教導有兩條線索：分離和參與。耶穌與稅吏和罪人交往，而神的子民總是願意花時間與非信徒在一起。但提摩太后書 2:19 等經文警告我們要與那些自稱有信仰卻在言語和行為上否認信仰的人分開。如果我們遇到假教師或浪子，我們會警告他們（太 18:15-18；林前 5:9-13）。我們行事不可像我們跟他們是一回事。