What does 1 Corinthians 6:1 mean?

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? 1 Corinthians 6:1

Explanation

1 Corinthians 6:1 addresses the issue of Christians taking civil disputes with one another before secular courts rather than resolving them within the Christian community. The Apostle Paul is admonishing the Corinthians for seeking judgment from the “unjust”—people who do not share their Christian values and beliefs—instead of turning to their fellow believers, “the saints”, who are members of their faith community. He implies that the wisdom and guidance from within the community of believers should take precedence over that of secular authorities when it comes to resolving disputes among Christians. The verse highlights the idea that the Christian community ought to be capable of resolving internal matters, demonstrating the values and wisdom of their faith.

Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, a community of early Christians in Corinth, which was a major Greek city known for its cosmopolitan and morally lax environment during the first century. The letter addresses various issues and divisions within the Corinthian church. Lawsuits among community members, particularly in the context of a society where the legal system did not reflect Christian values, presented a challenge to communal integrity and the testimony of the faith. Paul’s concern is that going to secular courts undermines the authority and maturity of the Christian community to deal with its own matters.

Theological Insights

This verse brings forth theological implications regarding the nature of the Christian community and its distinction from the world. It suggests that Christians possess a wisdom, due to their relationship with God, that is qualitatively different from secular wisdom. Moreover, it implies that the Christian community is called to be self-governing by applying biblical principles to solve disputes. From a theological perspective, this reflects the concept of the “priesthood of all believers,” where every Christian has access to God’s truth and the responsibility to live by it.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be practically applied by encouraging Christians to seek mediation and reconciliation from within their faith community before resorting to secular courts for resolving personal disputes. This notion encourages unity and peacemaking within the church. It also calls upon Christian leaders and mature believers to be equipped to counsel and mediate disputes, emphasizing the value of wisdom and discernment based on Christian principles.

Cross-References

• Matthew 18:15–17: “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
• 1 Corinthians 5:12: “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?”
• 1 Corinthians 6:5-6: “I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of 1 Corinthians 6:1 are “adikous” (ἄδικος), which means “unjust or unrighteous,” referring to those not living according to God’s standards. Another key term is “hagiois” (ἅγιος), translated as “saints,” meaning “holy ones” or those set apart for God’s purposes. The word “krinō” (κρίνω) implies “to judge” or “to decide” a matter. The phrasing Paul uses suggests a comparison between secular judges who are “unjust” and the “saints” who ought to be qualified to judge righteously.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural context of ancient Mediterranean societies, public disputes and litigations were common in civic life and often served as a spectacle. The emphasis on community-based resolution within Christianity differs markedly from the typical Greco-Roman practice. Comparatively, other ancient religions also had their own internal systems for conflict resolution, often informed by religious laws and priesthood authorities—such as the Jewish Sanhedrin.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific research on conflict resolution has shown that mediation by trusted members of a community can lead to more sustainable and satisfactory solutions for parties involved. Such findings lend support to the biblical approach advocated in 1 Corinthians 6:1 of resolving conflicts within a community of trust and shared values.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians view Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 6:1 to be a corrective measure for a church struggling with disunity and scandal. John Stott, an influential Christian leader, commented that Paul’s main concern was the public witness of the church and its internal spiritual health. Craig Keener, a New Testament scholar, notes that for Paul, the decision to litigate before unbelievers constituted a failure to live by the gospel which emphasizes reconciliation and love. Moreover, scholars understand this verse as Paul’s encouragement for the church to embody the wisdom and justice of God in their communal life.