What does 1 Corinthians 6:2 mean?

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 1 Corinthians 6:2

Explanation

1 Corinthians 6:2 asserts the high dignity and destiny of Christians, suggesting that saints, or followers of Christ, will participate in some form of judgment over the world. The verse challenges the Corinthian Christians to consider their future responsibilities as judges with divine authority. By questioning their hesitation to judge smaller matters among themselves, Paul is presumably chastising the Corinthians for taking their disputes before non-Christian courts instead of resolving them within the Christian community with the wisdom they have from the Holy Spirit.

Historical Context

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians during the mid-first century AD to address issues within the church at Corinth. Christians in Corinth were living in a pluralistic society with Greco-Roman traditions and were facing challenges concerning how to live out their faith within that cultural context. Legal disputes among members were being taken to secular courts, which Paul saw as inappropriate. He emphasized that as Christians, they should be able to handle such matters within the church community because they are called to a different standard and would eventually hold roles with greater judgmental authority.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on the concept of eschatology, which is the study of end times. The idea that saints will judge the world can be linked to beliefs about the Millennial Kingdom, where Christ reigns with his followers, or the Final Judgment where believers are thought to share in Christ’s authority. Some view this judgment as literal, while others interpret it more metaphorically, suggesting it emphasizes moral discernment. There are differences in opinion on the exact meaning of “judge the world,” but many agree it should encourage Christians to live in a way that reflects their ultimate calling and identity in Christ.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse encourages believers to exercise wisdom and discernment in their everyday decisions and conflicts. It suggests that rather than relying on secular systems or values that may not align with Christian ethics, believers should seek to resolve disputes within the church community according to biblical principles. The verse also serves as a reminder of the responsibility associated with being a follower of Christ, which includes making judgments that are fair, just, and reflective of God’s character.

Cross-References

• Matthew 19:28: “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
• Revelation 20:4: “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them…”
• Matthew 7:1-2: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
• 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?”

Language Study

The key word in this verse is “judge” (Greek: κρινεῖν, krinein), which can mean to judge, decide, or resolve. The term “saints” (Greek: ἅγιοι, hagioi) refers to consecrated, holy ones or believers. Analyzing these Greek words, “krinein” implies a decision-making role while “hagioi” identifies those who are set apart for God’s purposes, indicating the believers’ unique role and responsibility.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, the idea of humans partaking in divine or cosmic justice after death is not uncommon. For example, in ancient Egyptian mythology, the dead were judged by Osiris and the result determined their afterlife. In the context of other religious interpretations, such as Judaism and Islam, there are different concepts of a final judgment but less emphasis on humans participating directly in the divine judgment process.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives would generally not intersect with theological concepts such as eschatological judgment. Science deals with empirical evidence and observable phenomena, which differ from religious beliefs about divine or afterlife events. Therefore, scientific methods cannot substantiate, refute, or engage with the theological claims of this verse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various interpretations of this verse. Some, such as John Calvin, interpret “judging the world” as a sign of the dignity bestowed upon Christians and a future distinct role they will possess. Others may interpret it more ethically, as a call to live by Christian standards of morality. Gordon Fee, for instance, in his commentary on 1 Corinthians, elaborates on the importance of solving disputes within the church community, emphasizing that the ability to judge rightly reflects the wisdom of God given to believers through the Spirit.