1 Corinthians 6:2
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Paul's rhetorical questions here aren't just about proving the Corinthian believers' capability to handle disputes. They highlight the incredible, future authority God has entrusted to believers – that we will, in fact, co-rule and judge alongside Christ! The implication is that if we're destined for such cosmic responsibility, surely we can figure out how to resolve petty arguments among ourselves.
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 the Corinthians' tendency to sue each other in secular courts, which he finds deeply embarrassing for a church community. He’s reminding them of their future glorious role alongside Christ, where they will judge the very world, highlighting the absurdity of them being unable to resolve petty disputes amongst themselves now. This sets up his argument that they should handle internal matters with wisdom and unity, rather than airing their dirty laundry publicly.
Paul drops a bombshell here: believers will judge the world! What does that even mean? It's a powerful reminder of our future role with Christ.
A Glimpse of Our Future Authority
Paul asks if we don't know that the saints (that's us!) will judge the world. This isn't about us being harsh or power-tripping. It points to a future reality where believers, united with Christ, will participate in God's righteous judgment of the world. This shows the immense dignity and responsibility we have been given through Christ.
Think about it: when a king appoints judges in his kingdom, it's a sign of trust and delegated authority. Paul is saying that God, our King, will delegate a role in His ultimate justice to us.
If we're destined to judge the world, why are believers getting bogged down in petty squabbles now? Paul uses this staggering truth to highlight the absurdity of current church disputes.
Prioritizing What Truly Matters
Paul contrasts the grand future of judging the world with the present reality of Christians suing each other over minor issues. He calls these cases 'trivial' in light of our eternal destiny. The point isn't that every dispute is insignificant, but that the way believers handle them, often with animosity and outside the community, is out of sync with their calling.
Instead of seeking justice through worldly courts, which are often governed by principles contrary to God's kingdom, believers are called to resolve conflicts within the church, reflecting God's own methods of reconciliation and judgment.
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Understand the original words
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.
Paul addresses the Corinthians' tendency to take each other to secular Roman courts for trivial disputes, reminding them of their future exalted role as judges alongside Christ, a stark contrast to their present behavior.
c. AD 41-50
Early Roman Rule in Corinth
Corinth, a major Roman colony, was a bustling but morally complex city known for its wealth and vice. This environment presented unique challenges for the early Christian church.
c. AD 49
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius's decree led to the expulsion of Jews from Rome, including Priscilla and Aquila, who later met Paul in Corinth. This event highlights the political instability and Roman influence in the region.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent a significant amount of time in Corinth, establishing the church and addressing its many issues. He wrote his letters to the Corinthians from this context.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul addresses the divisions, moral failings, and theological misunderstandings within the Corinthian church. This verse is part of his correction of their behavior and understanding of Christian identity.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Imprisoned in Rome
Paul's later imprisonment in Rome, though not directly related to Corinth, further underscores the pressures and potential legal entanglements faced by early Christians.
This immediate context emphasizes that believers are called to resolve disputes among themselves, rather than taking them to unbelievers, setting the stage for the idea of judging.
Daniel 7:22This Old Testament passage speaks of the Ancient of Days giving judgment into the hands of the saints of the Most High, directly foreshadowing the concept of believers having a role in judgment.
Matthew 19:28Jesus tells His disciples that in the renewal of all things, they will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, a powerful parallel to Paul's teaching about believers judging.
Revelation 20:4This passage describes people reigning with Christ and mentions those who had been beheaded for their testimony, implying their participation in the judgment that is to come.
Paul's rhetorical questions here aren't just about proving the Corinthian believers' capability to handle disputes. They highlight the incredible, future authority God has entrusted to believers – that we will, in fact, co-rule and judge alongside Christ! The implication is that if we're destined for such cosmic responsibility, surely we can figure out how to resolve petty arguments among ourselves.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' tendency to sue each other in secular courts, which he finds deeply embarrassing for a church community. He’s reminding them of their future glorious role alongside Christ, where they will judge the very world, highlighting the absurdity of them being unable to resolve petty disputes amongst themselves now. This sets up his argument that they should handle internal matters with wisdom and unity, rather than airing their dirty laundry publicly.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' tendency to sue each other in secular courts, which he finds deeply embarrassing for a church community. He’s reminding them of their future glorious role alongside Christ, where they will judge the very world, highlighting the absurdity of them being unable to resolve petty disputes amongst themselves now. This sets up his argument that they should handle internal matters with wisdom and unity, rather than airing their dirty laundry publicly.
"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?" — Paul's rhetorical questions here aren't just about proving the Corinthian believers' capability to handle disputes. They highlight the incredible, future authority God has entrusted to believers – th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
