1 Corinthians 6:7
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The real sting here isn't just the lawsuits, but the idea that any lawsuit is a defeat. Paul's challenge is radical: choosing to absorb wrong, rather than seeking redress in worldly courts, demonstrates a trust in God's ultimate justice and a higher, kingdom-driven ethic.
To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' tendency to take each other to court, a practice that deeply shames their witness as a community called to reconciliation. He's just talked about believers judging the world and even angels, so he's challenging them to handle their internal disputes differently rather than resorting to pagan legal systems. By bringing lawsuits against fellow Christians, they are essentially admitting defeat in living out the new life Christ offers, a life of forgiveness and self-sacrifice.
Paul drops a bombshell here: suing a fellow believer isn't a victory, it's a defeat. How can this be?
Paul challenges the Corinthians' understanding of winning and losing. In the world, legal battles are often seen as necessary means to secure justice and one's rights. But Paul shifts the perspective entirely.
A Kingdom Perspective
From God's kingdom perspective, these worldly tactics undermine the very community Christ died to build. Engaging in lawsuits within the church signals a failure to live by kingdom values – forgiveness, grace, and selfless love. It shows that the Corinthians are still too focused on their own rights and earthly gains, rather than on the spiritual health and unity of the body of Christ.
Paul highlights the shame of believers taking each other to secular courts. Why was this so damaging to the church's witness?
The early church was a fragile community, often misunderstood and persecuted by the Roman world. Their internal harmony and love for one another were key aspects of their witness.
A Witness Undermined
When believers sued each other, it exposed their divisions and immaturity to outsiders. It made a mockery of the Gospel message of reconciliation and love. Paul implies that these disputes should be handled internally, within the community of faith, according to principles of forgiveness and reconciliation, rather than resorting to a system that did not acknowledge Christ.
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Understand the original words
hēttēma · Greek Noun
A failure to live up to the standard of Christ or a spiritual loss; in this context, it refers to the loss of Christian witness and the failure to demonstrate the love and humility of the Kingdom.
adikeō · Greek Verb
To endure harm, injustice, or mistreatment without retaliating, reflecting the character of Christ who suffered for righteousness.
apostereō · Greek Verb
To be deprived of something rightfully owned or to be cheated; biblically, it emphasizes the importance of valuing brotherly peace over material gain.
The city of Corinth was notorious for its wealth, lax morals, and litigious spirit, making the church there particularly susceptible to adopting the surrounding culture's approach to conflict. Paul's instruction directly challenges this tendency, calling believers to a higher standard rooted in forgiveness and trust in God's ultimate justice.
c. AD 44
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas establish churches in key cities of Asia Minor, including Corinth, during their travels.
c. AD 49-50
Founding of the Corinthian Church
Paul visits Corinth and spends about 18 months teaching and establishing the church, which faced significant challenges due to the city's culture.
c. AD 50
Apollos Preaches in Corinth
Apollos, a gifted speaker, further nurtures the church in Corinth after Paul's departure, leading to some followers aligning with him.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
During his extended stay in Ephesus, Paul hears reports of divisions and problems within the Corinthian church.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the serious issues plaguing the church in Corinth, including lawsuits among believers, divisions, and immorality, based on reports and a letter from them.
c. AD 56
Reconciliation and Further Instruction
Paul likely revisits Corinth and later writes another letter (the 'severe' letter) to address ongoing issues and reaffirm his apostleship.
Jesus teaches his followers not to resist an evil person, directly echoing the principle of not seeking legal retribution when wronged.
1 Thessalonians 4:6This passage warns against overreaching and defrauding one another in business dealings, highlighting the importance of integrity within the community that Paul addresses.
Romans 12:17-19Paul directly instructs believers to 'repay no one evil for evil' and to 'live peaceably with all,' reinforcing the idea that seeking justice through worldly courts is a last resort, if even permissible.
1 Peter 2:19-20Peter explains that enduring hardship and suffering injustice patiently, even when innocent, is commendable and reflects well on God, mirroring the sentiment of suffering wrong.
The real sting here isn't just the lawsuits, but the idea that any lawsuit is a defeat. Paul's challenge is radical: choosing to absorb wrong, rather than seeking redress in worldly courts, demonstrates a trust in God's ultimate justice and a higher, kingdom-driven ethic.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' tendency to take each other to court, a practice that deeply shames their witness as a community called to reconciliation. He's just talked about believers judging the world and even angels, so he's challenging them to handle their internal disputes differently rather than resorting to pagan legal systems. By bringing lawsuits against fellow Christians, they are essentially admitting defeat in living out the new life Christ offers, a life of forgiveness and self-sacrifice.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' tendency to take each other to court, a practice that deeply shames their witness as a community called to reconciliation. He's just talked about believers judging the world and even angels, so he's challenging them to handle their internal disputes differently rather than resorting to pagan legal systems. By bringing lawsuits against fellow Christians, they are essentially admitting defeat in living out the new life Christ offers, a life of forgiveness and self-sacrifice.
"To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?" — The real sting here isn't just the lawsuits, but the idea that any lawsuit is a defeat. Paul's challenge is radical: choosing to absorb wrong, rather than seeking redress in worldly courts, demonst…
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Last reviewed October 2026
