1 Corinthians 6:1-2
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What's really striking here is Paul’s bold question: "Does he dare?" He’s not just asking about practicality, but about the sheer audacity of taking a dispute among believers to a secular court. It’s a pointed challenge that implies such an action fundamentally misunderstands the community of faith, suggesting that spiritual insiders should be able to resolve matters among themselves.
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a serious problem in the Corinthian church: believers are suing each other in secular Roman courts. This reflects a failure to live out their new identity in Christ and a reliance on worldly systems rather than seeking reconciliation within the community. The following verses will explain why this practice is so damaging to their witness and offer a better way forward.
Imagine your deepest hurt being judged by people who don't know God. Paul raises a shocking question: why would believers take each other to secular courts?
Paul is calling out a deep inconsistency. When believers have disputes, the default shouldn't be the world's legal system. Why? Because the church is meant to be a 'kingdom of priests' – a community set apart, with God's law and Spirit as their guide. The world's courts operate on 'righteousness' that's often contrary to God's. Taking disputes there suggests we don't believe the church has the internal capacity or divine authority to resolve issues.
Paul isn't saying never seek justice, but where and how we seek it matters immensely.
The implication here is that the church should have a functional system for conflict resolution. This isn't about avoiding accountability, but about maintaining the integrity and witness of the community. When believers go outside the church to settle disputes, it sends a terrible message to the world: that the body of Christ is dysfunctional or that its members don't trust God's authority within the community. Paul suggests a better way: let trusted, spiritually mature members within the church act as arbiters.
Understand the original words
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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.
krinō · Greek Verb
To govern, discern, or render a judicial decision. Biblically, it includes the future role of believers in exercising authority alongside Christ over the world and spiritual powers.
anaxios · Greek Adjective
Unqualified or unable to render a sound judgment due to a lack of spiritual discernment or maturity.
The Corinthian church was a diverse community, likely including people with various backgrounds and experiences with the Roman legal system. Paul's instruction to avoid secular courts highlights the radical call for believers to resolve disputes internally, reflecting the new standards of their kingdom identity.
c. AD 49
Roman Expulsion of Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, possibly due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus' (likely Christ). This likely affected early Christian communities in Rome, including Jewish Christians who may have had to relocate.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about two years in Corinth, establishing a vibrant church. This was a crucial period for shaping the community's practices and beliefs.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul addresses divisions, immorality, and doctrinal issues within the Corinthian church. The letter serves as pastoral guidance to correct and instruct believers.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment and Appeal
Paul, a Roman citizen, was arrested in Jerusalem and later appealed his case to Caesar. This demonstrates his own experience with the Roman legal system, though he sought to avoid its intervention when possible.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
The massive fire devastated Rome, leading to Nero's persecution of Christians, who were scapegoated for the disaster. This heightened the risks and challenges faced by believers.
Jesus gives specific steps for resolving conflict within the community, emphasizing internal reconciliation before involving outsiders.
Romans 12:17-18This passage calls believers to 'live peaceably with all' and avoid repaying evil for evil, showing a broader principle of non-retaliation that underlies Paul's concern.
1 Corinthians 1:10Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian church, a recurring theme that shows why he is so concerned about externalizing their disputes.
Philippians 2:14-15This passage encourages believers to do everything without grumbling or disputing, highlighting the importance of a pure and blameless witness to the world.
What's really striking here is Paul’s bold question: "Does he dare?" He’s not just asking about practicality, but about the sheer audacity of taking a dispute among believers to a secular court. It’s a pointed challenge that implies such an action fundamentally misunderstands the community of faith, suggesting that spiritual insiders should be able to resolve matters among themselves.
Paul is addressing a serious problem in the Corinthian church: believers are suing each other in secular Roman courts. This reflects a failure to live out their new identity in Christ and a reliance on worldly systems rather than seeking reconciliation within the community. The following verses will explain why this practice is so damaging to their witness and offer a better way forward.
Paul is addressing a serious problem in the Corinthian church: believers are suing each other in secular Roman courts. This reflects a failure to live out their new identity in Christ and a reliance on worldly systems rather than seeking reconciliation within the community. The following verses will explain why this practice is so damaging to their witness and offer a better way forward.
"When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to…" — What's really striking here is Paul’s bold question: "Does he dare?" He’s not just asking about practicality, but about the sheer audacity of taking a dispute among believers to a secular court. It…
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Last reviewed October 2026
