1 Corinthians 6:1-6

What does 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 mean?

This verse isn't just about avoiding secular courts; it's a challenging question about who we trust with our disputes. Paul is pointing out that taking fellow believers to "unrighteous" judges is a profound betrayal, implying that the church itself should be capable of handling conflict with divine wisdom, not human courts. It's an unexpected call to the community to embody Christ's justice, even when wronged.

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! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?

English Standard Version (ESV)

What 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 means

Paul is addressing ongoing disputes and lawsuits among believers in Corinth, a situation that's creating disunity and scandal. He's just finished a section explaining how Christians are to judge the world and even angels, so he's setting up the sharp contrast that they should be able to resolve their own differences internally, rather than taking their brothers and sisters to pagan courts. The verses immediately following will push back on the idea that any dispute is so serious it can't be settled within the church community.

Saints as God's Final Authority

Paul's question here isn't just about logistics; it's about who holds the real authority. When Christians have issues, where should they ultimately turn?

Paul is calling the Corinthian believers to a higher standard of justice than the secular courts of their day.

The World's Judgment

The world's courts were known for corruption and unfairness. Going there meant submitting to unrighteous judges who didn't know God's ways. Paul finds this unthinkable for people who are called to be holy – 'saints'.

The Saints' Judgment

Instead, Paul points to the 'saints' – God's people – as the ones equipped to judge. This doesn't mean every believer becomes a judge, but it points to the church's responsibility to handle disputes internally, guided by wisdom from God. It’s a call to trust in the community of faith to resolve matters according to God’s principles, not the world’s.

The Scandal of Worldly Litigation

Paul uses strong language – 'dare'. Why was taking fellow believers to court such a big deal, a real scandal, in the early church?

Paul sees taking fellow believers to pagan courts as a public shame to the name of Christ and the church.

Damaging the Witness

These courts were manned by people who didn't follow God. Bringing disputes there was like saying, 'Our Christian community can't even figure this out; we need outsiders to sort it.' This undermined the church's credibility and its witness to the world.

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What 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 means

The original words in 1 Corinthians 6:1-6

grievanceπρᾶγμα

pragma · Greek Noun

A formal complaint or legal claim brought by one person against another, often implying an injury or wrongdoing that requires arbitration.

unrighteousἄδικος

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.

saintsἅγιος

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.

judgeκρίνω

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.

incompetentἀνάξιος

anaxios · Greek Adjective

Unqualified or unable to render a sound judgment due to a lack of spiritual discernment or maturity.

angelsἄγγελος

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.

no standingἐξουθενημένος

exouthenēmenos · Greek Adjective/Participle

People who are outside the community of faith; those who lack spiritual status or authority within the body of Christ.

shameἐντροπή

entropē · Greek Noun

A painful sense of disgrace or dishonor, often used to provoke reflection and repentance regarding behavior inconsistent with one's identity in Christ.

wiseσοφός

sophos · Greek Adjective

Practical discernment and spiritual insight that enables a person to apply God's truth to everyday life and interpersonal conflicts.

disputeκρίσις

krisis · Greek Noun

A disagreement or conflict, often requiring mediation or judgment to resolve and restore harmony.

brotherἀδελφός

adelphos · Greek Noun

A fellow member of the family of God, sharing a spiritual bond through faith in Jesus Christ, implying mutual love, responsibility, and equality.

unbelieversἄπιστος

apistos · Greek Noun/Adjective

Those who do not have faith in God or the gospel of Jesus Christ, remaining outside the covenant community of the church.