1 Corinthians 6:1-3
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's so striking here is Paul isn't just asking if they should go to court, but highlighting the sheer audacity of taking disputes before outsiders. It’s not about legal rights, but about the profound disrespect shown to the "saints" – the community of believers – when they can't resolve matters internally.
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? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing major problems within the Corinthian church, including divisions and sexual immorality. In this section, he calls out their tendency to settle disputes between believers by taking them to secular courts rather than resolving them within the community, which he sees as a failure to live out their new identity in Christ. He'll go on to explain that believers are called to judge matters within the church, not by pagan judges.
Imagine a close-knit community, a family even, fractured by internal disputes. Paul confronts this very issue in Corinth, where lawsuits were tearing the church apart. This wasn't just a minor disagreement; it was a sign of deeper spiritual sickness.
The Scandal of Litigation
Paul's question in verse 1 hits hard: "does he dare go to law before the unrighteous?" The very idea was scandalous to him. It meant bringing the church's dirty laundry before unbelievers, giving them ammunition to mock and dismiss the faith.
Paul calls believers 'saints' – set apart, holy people. Yet, he asks if these 'saints' are really equipped to judge their own, or if they're better off leaving judgment to God. This pushes us to consider our own role in resolving conflict.
The Saints' Superior Authority
Ask a follow-up
Paul doesn't leave believers without recourse. In fact, he points to a higher authority and a more qualified body for judgment:
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.
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.
angelos · Greek Noun
Celestial beings created by God to serve Him. The Bible indicates they are subject to the ultimate authority of Christ, and believers are described as participating in their judgment.
The early church was a diverse mix of Jewish and Gentile believers living within a Roman society that often viewed them with suspicion. Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 6 reflects the tension of navigating internal disputes while maintaining a distinct identity from the surrounding 'unrighteous' world.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A major dispute arose concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into the early church. The Council decided that Gentiles did not need to follow all the Mosaic laws to be believers.
c. AD 41-54
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius ordered the expulsion of Jews from Rome, likely due to disturbances related to "Chrestus." This caused significant social upheaval and scattering of Jewish communities.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about eighteen months in Corinth, establishing a strong Christian community. He faced significant opposition and dealt with numerous internal issues within the church.
c. AD 53-56— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul addresses the rampant problems within the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and disputes. He offers guidance and correction based on the teachings of Christ.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire swept through Rome, leading to widespread destruction and persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero. This event intensified Roman suspicion towards the nascent Christian movement.
This passage echoes the call for unity and speaking the same thing, directly contrasting with believers taking each other to secular courts.
Matthew 18:15-17Jesus outlines a process for resolving disputes within the community first, emphasizing reconciliation before any external involvement.
Colossians 3:12-13Paul encourages believers to 'bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive.' This speaks to the heart of resolving issues internally with grace.
1 Thessalonians 4:6This verse warns that no one should wrong a brother in these matters, reinforcing the idea that disputes should not escalate to legal battles among believers.
What's so striking here is Paul isn't just asking if they should go to court, but highlighting the sheer audacity of taking disputes before outsiders. It’s not about legal rights, but about the profound disrespect shown to the "saints" – the community of believers – when they can't resolve matters internally.
Paul is addressing major problems within the Corinthian church, including divisions and sexual immorality. In this section, he calls out their tendency to settle disputes between believers by taking them to secular courts rather than resolving them within the community, which he sees as a failure to live out their new identity in Christ. He'll go on to explain that believers are called to judge matters within the church, not by pagan judges.
Paul is addressing major problems within the Corinthian church, including divisions and sexual immorality. In this section, he calls out their tendency to settle disputes between believers by taking them to secular courts rather than resolving them within the community, which he sees as a failure to live out their new identity in Christ. He'll go on to explain that believers are called to judge matters within the church, not by pagan judges.
"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 so striking here is Paul isn't just asking if they should go to court, but highlighting the sheer audacity of taking disputes before outsiders. It’s not about legal rights, but about the p…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
