The noun ὁμιλία carries the idea of close association, habitual intercourse, or shared conversation. In classical usage it could describe a company of friends or the discourse that flows within such fellowship. By Paul’s day it conveyed both the people with whom one keeps company and the communicative exchanges that naturally arise from that company.

Occurrence in the New Testament

The sole New Testament occurrence appears in 1 Corinthians 15:33, where Paul warns, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). By selecting ὁμιλίαι, Paul highlights the formative power of social interaction on moral outlook.

Intertextual Parallels in Scripture

• Psalm 1:1 opposes the path of blessing to “the counsel of the wicked” and the “seat of scoffers,” underscoring how association molds one’s walk.
• Proverbs 13:20 states, “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.”
• Proverbs 22:24-25 warns against friendship with a hot-tempered man “lest you learn his ways.”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:6 commands believers “to keep away from any brother who is idle and disruptive.”
• 2 Timothy 2:16 exhorts Timothy to avoid “irreverent chatter,” because it “will lead to more ungodliness.”

Together these passages form a consistent biblical witness: companionship and conversation are never neutral—they shape belief and behavior.

Historical Context of Corinthian Usage

Corinth was a cosmopolitan port filled with itinerant philosophers, debaters, and morally lax social circles. Some in the church flirted with skeptical ideas about bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12). Paul cites a popular maxim to expose the danger: intimate association with those denying resurrection would erode the believers’ ethical integrity and doctrinal soundness. The quotation may stem from the Greek poet Menander, showing Paul’s willingness to employ familiar cultural sayings to reinforce revealed truth.

Theological Implications

1. Anthropological: Humanity is relational and therefore susceptible to influence; moral formation occurs in community.
2. Ecclesiological: The church must practice discernment in fellowship, welcoming sinners yet guarding against corrosive patterns that compromise the gospel.
3. Eschatological: Denial of resurrection leads to moral decline (“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die,” 1 Corinthians 15:32); right doctrine safeguards right living.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Discipleship: Pair new believers with mature mentors, fostering ὁμιλία that cultivates holiness (Titus 2:3-8).
• Church Discipline: Lovingly confront unrepentant sin so that harmful ὁμιλίαι do not permeate the body (1 Corinthians 5:6-7).
• Youth Ministry: Equip young Christians to choose peers who reinforce, rather than undermine, biblical convictions (Proverbs 1:10-19).
• Evangelism: Engage unbelievers without adopting their worldview, following Christ’s example of eating with sinners while remaining undefiled (Matthew 9:10-13; Hebrews 7:26).

Warnings and Exhortations

Scripture repeatedly links corrupted conversation with spiritual ruin (Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 2:8). Believers are urged to test every fellowship against the standard of Christ’s teaching (1 John 1:6-7).

Connections to Christian Fellowship

Positive ὁμιλία finds its fullest expression in koinōnia, the shared life of the Spirit (Acts 2:42). Whereas harmful company degrades, godly fellowship stimulates “love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

Homiletical Insights

1 Corinthians 15:33 offers a concise sermon theme: “The Company You Keep Determines the Character You Keep.” Illustrations from church history (e.g., Augustine’s conversion after leaving dissipated companions) reinforce the text. Apply by challenging congregations to evaluate friendships, entertainment, and online communities, aligning all conversations with the hope of the resurrection.