1 Corinthians 6:1
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's really striking here is Paul's use of "dare." It's not just that going to secular courts is wrong; it's that it's almost audacious, a brazen move that questions the very integrity and competence of believers to handle their own affairs. It highlights how deeply flawed their approach is, suggesting they're acting with a shocking lack of faith in their community and in Christ's teachings on reconciliation.
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing disputes and lawsuits happening within the Corinthian church. He's just finished discussing issues of sexual immorality and the church's authority to judge those within their community. This verse immediately pivots to the shocking practice of believers taking each other to pagan, non-Christian courts, questioning their judgment and their Christian witness.
Imagine a believer taking another believer to court. Paul calls this action daring, even scandalous! Why would he see a dispute between Christians going to non-believers as such a serious issue?
A Community Divided
Paul is addressing a deeply troubling situation in the Corinthian church: Christians were suing each other in Roman courts. This wasn't just a minor disagreement; it was a public spectacle that undermined the very identity of the church.
Paul calls the Corinthians 'saints' (holy ones) and contrasts them with the 'unrighteous.' But then he asks if they'd rather go before the 'unrighteous' than 'saints.' What does this reveal about the believers' potential and responsibility?
A Higher Standard
The core of Paul's argument is that believers have a higher calling and capacity than the world. When they act like the world, suing each other, they deny their new identity in Christ.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
pragma · Greek Noun
A formal complaint or legal claim brought by one person against another, often implying an injury or wrongdoing that requires arbitration.
adikos · Greek Adjective/Noun
An unbeliever; someone who does not possess the righteousness of Christ or is alienated from God's holy standard. In this context, it refers to those outside the body of Christ.
hagios · Greek Adjective/Noun
Those who are set apart for God; holy ones. It is a common designation for all true believers in Christ who are sanctified by His grace and Spirit.
The Corinthian church was a diverse community with significant social and economic disparities, often mirroring the very Greco-Roman culture they were called out of. Paul's directive here confronts their tendency to bring internal disputes before pagan courts, a practice that undermined their witness and spiritual maturity.
c. AD 44
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul establishes churches in key cities throughout Asia Minor, including Corinth, laying the groundwork for his later correspondence.
c. AD 49-50
Trouble in Corinth
Claudius expels Jews from Rome, leading many to settle in Corinth. This influx may have exacerbated existing social and economic tensions within the city.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends significant time in Corinth, teaching and strengthening the new Christian community. He directly confronts the city's rampant immorality and pagan practices.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Writing from Ephesus
Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus, responding to reports and questions from the Corinthian church. The letter addresses deep divisions and ongoing issues within the community.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
During his travels, Paul may have heard further news from Corinth, leading to subsequent letters (now lost) and his final visit.
Jesus outlines a clear process for resolving disputes within the community, emphasizing that believers should first attempt reconciliation amongst themselves before involving outsiders.
Romans 12:17-21This passage calls believers to live peaceably and, if possible, not to repay evil with evil, showing a radical approach to conflict that prefers reconciliation over litigation.
1 Corinthians 6:6-7Paul directly follows up this verse by calling it a 'disgrace' that believers sue each other, highlighting the inadequacy and shame of bringing internal community matters to secular courts.
James 4:1-3James identifies the root of quarrels among believers as selfish desires, questioning what causes these disputes and pointing out that seeking from worldly sources leads to not receiving.
What's really striking here is Paul's use of "dare." It's not just that going to secular courts is wrong; it's that it's almost audacious, a brazen move that questions the very integrity and competence of believers to handle their own affairs. It highlights how deeply flawed their approach is, suggesting they're acting with a shocking lack of faith in their community and in Christ's teachings on reconciliation.
Paul is addressing disputes and lawsuits happening within the Corinthian church. He's just finished discussing issues of sexual immorality and the church's authority to judge those within their community. This verse immediately pivots to the shocking practice of believers taking each other to pagan, non-Christian courts, questioning their judgment and their Christian witness.
Paul is addressing disputes and lawsuits happening within the Corinthian church. He's just finished discussing issues of sexual immorality and the church's authority to judge those within their community. This verse immediately pivots to the shocking practice of believers taking each other to pagan, non-Christian courts, questioning their judgment and their Christian witness.
"When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?" — What's really striking here is Paul's use of "dare." It's not just that going to secular courts is wrong; it's that it's almost audacious, a brazen move that questions the very integrity and comp…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
