Meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:2

This passage from 1 Corinthians 6:2 addresses the Corinthians' practice of taking fellow believers to secular courts for disputes, a behavior Paul deems inappropriate and a failure to grasp their future eschatological role. He reminds them that believers are destined to judge the world, a task that implies a level of spiritual maturity and competence far exceeding the ability to resolve minor disagreements among themselves. The question posed is rhetorical, designed to highlight the incongruity of their actions. If they are to participate in a divine judgment of the cosmos, surely they should be capable of adjudicating petty matters within their own community. This verse, therefore, serves as a corrective, urging the church to handle internal conflicts with wisdom and spiritual authority, reflecting their identity as a people set apart for God's kingdom.

Context and Background

The Corinthian church was plagued by internal divisions and disputes, as evidenced by Paul's extensive discussions on unity, sexual immorality, and the proper use of spiritual gifts in this letter. The specific issue here is the practice of believers suing one another in pagan, secular courts. This would have brought shame upon the Christian community, exposing their internal strife to the outside world and undermining their witness. Paul's argument is grounded in the understanding that the church, as the redeemed people of God, possesses a unique status and authority that transcends the worldly systems of justice.

Key Themes and Messages

• Eschatological Authority: The verse points to a future reality where believers will share in Christ's reign and participate in judgment. This is not a judgment of condemnation for believers, but a vindication of God's righteousness and the establishment of His kingdom.
• Spiritual Competence: Paul argues that if believers are entrusted with the weighty task of judging the world, they should be more than capable of resolving minor disputes within the church. This implies that spiritual maturity and understanding should equip them to handle such matters.
• Church Discipline and Reconciliation: The underlying message is a call for the church to develop internal mechanisms for resolving conflict, fostering reconciliation, and maintaining its purity and integrity.
• Distinction from the World: Taking disputes to secular courts blurred the lines between the church and the unbelieving world, suggesting a lack of distinctiveness and divine authority within the Christian community.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse calls believers to a higher standard of conflict resolution. Instead of resorting to worldly legal systems, which often prioritize adversarial outcomes, Christians are encouraged to seek wisdom, humility, and grace in resolving differences. This might involve mediation, arbitration by church elders, or direct reconciliation between parties. The emphasis is on demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel by resolving conflicts in a manner that reflects God's justice and love, rather than mirroring the world's contentious practices. It challenges believers to cultivate spiritual maturity, enabling them to discern and apply God's principles in practical, everyday situations.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The concept of believers judging the world is rooted in Old Testament prophecies and New Testament teachings about the consummation of God's kingdom. Jesus himself speaks of the disciples sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). The book of Revelation further depicts saints reigning with Christ (Revelation 20:4). This passage connects the present conduct of the church to its future glorious destiny, emphasizing that their current actions should be consistent with their ultimate calling.

Analogies

• A Skilled Surgeon: Imagine a highly skilled surgeon who can perform complex life-saving operations. It would be absurd for such a surgeon to struggle with applying a simple bandage. Similarly, believers, destined for cosmic judgment, should be able to handle minor disputes.
• A King's Advisors: If advisors are capable of advising a king on matters of national importance, they should certainly be able to resolve minor administrative issues within the palace.
• A University Professor: A professor who lectures on advanced physics should not find it challenging to grade a basic arithmetic quiz.

Relation to Other Verses

• 1 Corinthians 6:1: "When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how can you sue them in a secular court before unbelievers? Don't you know that you yourselves will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you not competent to settle even the smallest of disputes?" (This verse directly precedes and sets up the argument in verse 2).
• Matthew 18:15-20: This passage outlines Jesus' teaching on how to handle disputes within the church, emphasizing a process of private confrontation, then involving witnesses, and finally bringing the matter before the church. This provides a practical framework for the kind of internal resolution Paul advocates.
• Romans 12:18: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people." This verse underscores the importance of pursuing peace, which is foundational to resolving conflict within the community.
• Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." These attitudes are crucial for believers to effectively resolve disputes among themselves.