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1 Corinthians 6:1-8

Those who will one day judge the world must learn to resolve their conflicts within the body of Christ.

Open in Study
Scripture Text

6:1 Dare any of You, having a matter against His neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?

6:2 Don’t You know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by You, are You unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

6:3 Don’t You know that we will judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

6:4 If then You have to judge things pertaining to this life, do You set them to judge who are of no account in the assembly?

6:5 I say this to move You to shame. Isn’t there even one wise man among You who would be able to decide between His brothers?

6:6 But brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers!

6:7 Therefore it is already altogether a defect in You, that You have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?

6:8 No, but You Yourselves do wrong and defraud, and that against Your brothers.

Anchor

Those who will one day judge the world must learn to resolve their conflicts within the body of Christ.

Because believers belong to Christ and will share in His future reign, they must resolve conflicts with wisdom, humility, and brotherly love rather than public litigation.

Rhythm
  1. 6:1-8 Paul rebukes believers for taking one another before unbelieving courts. He argues that the saints will judge the world and angels, so they should be able to handle ordinary disputes within the church. Their lawsuits already reveal defeat, and they should rather suffer wrong than defraud one another.
  2. 6:9-11 Paul warns that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God and lists representative sins that characterize such unrighteousness. He then reminds the Corinthians that some of them once lived this way, but they were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.
  3. 6:12-14 Paul addresses Corinthian slogans about freedom and bodily appetite. He counters by teaching that not everything permissible is beneficial, that believers must not be mastered by anything, and that the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, who will also raise the body.
  4. 6:15-20 Paul argues from union with Christ, Genesis covenant language, and temple theology. Believers’ bodies are members of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit. Therefore they must flee sexual immorality and glorify God in their bodies, because they have been bought with a price.
Watch Out
  • Paul does not prohibit all civil legal processes but addresses disputes between believers that should be resolved within the church.
  • The instruction should not be used to conceal serious crimes or abuse, which require proper legal accountability.
  • Paul's reference to judging angels does not explain the mechanics of that future role but emphasizes the believers' future participation in God's reign.
  • The call to accept wrong does not promote injustice but encourages believers to prioritize unity and Christlike humility over personal vindication.
  • Do not interpret this passage as forbidding all interaction with civil legal systems.
  • Do not ignore legitimate cases where civil authorities must address criminal wrongdoing.
  • Do not use this passage to silence victims of abuse or injustice.
  • Do not treat internal conflict resolution as permission for favoritism or injustice within the church.
  • Do not detach Paul's teaching from the broader goal of protecting gospel witness.
Invitation Arc
  • Christians must prioritize unity and reconciliation over personal rights.
  • Public disputes among believers can damage the credibility of the gospel.
  • The church community should develop wisdom for resolving internal conflicts.
  • Believers must remember their future identity and responsibilities in God’s kingdom.
  • Humility and sacrificial love should shape responses to conflict.
Canonical Thread
Gospel Clarity

The gospel reconciles believers to God through the cross of Christ and forms them into a new community marked by forgiveness, humility, and love. Because Christ willingly suffered loss to redeem sinners, believers are called to imitate His sacrificial posture in their relationships with one another.