1 Corinthians 6:1-6

¹ “Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? ² Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to form the smallest law courts? ³ Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? ⁴ So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? ⁵ I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you anyone wise who will be able to decide between his brothers and sisters, ⁶ but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?”

Verse 1: Paul addresses the issue of believers taking their disputes to secular courts instead of resolving them within the body of Christ. He questions the wisdom of seeking justice from those who do not have a righteous perspective. This verse highlights the importance of believers relying on the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit within the community of believers rather than turning to worldly systems for resolution.

Verse 2: Paul reminds the Corinthians of their future role in judging the world. This emphasizes the authority and position that believers have in Christ. This verse underscores the competence and capability of believers to handle disputes and conflicts within the church. It encourages them to rely on the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit in resolving issues rather than resorting to secular legal systems.

Verse 3: Paul further emphasizes the believers’ future role in judging angels. This highlights the significance and responsibility that believers have in representing God’s kingdom and His righteousness. Believers have the capacity to handle matters of this life within the body of Christ, guided by the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 4: Paul questions the Corinthians’ practice of appointing judges who do not have a spiritual perspective within the church. He challenges them to consider the importance of having believers who are spiritually mature and guided by the Holy Spirit to handle matters within the body of Christ. Believers can rely on the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit in resolving conflicts and disputes within the church rather than relying on worldly systems.

Verse 5: Paul expresses his disappointment and rebukes the Corinthians for not having a wise person among them who can impartially judge and resolve disputes within the church. This highlights the need for believers to seek wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit and to rely on the guidance of spiritually mature individuals within the body of Christ. This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking godly wisdom and unity within the church in order to effectively handle conflicts and disputes.

Verse 6: Paul points out the irony and inconsistency of believers taking legal action against one another in secular courts, especially in front of unbelievers. This highlights the negative witness it presents to the world and the failure to demonstrate the love and unity that should characterize the body of Christ. Believers can prioritize reconciliation, forgiveness, and the pursuit of unity within the church, rather than resorting to legal battles that can damage relationships and hinder the spread of the gospel.