What does 1 Corinthians 6:3 mean?

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:3

Explanation

1 Corinthians 6:3 reads: “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” In this verse, the Apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthian church regarding their behavior in legal disputes among believers. The verse serves a rhetorical purpose to elevate their perspective on the identity and future role of believers, emphasizing the authority that they will possess. The literal meaning is that believers are destined to judge angels, which implies a high degree of spiritual authority and responsibility in the future kingdom of God. The deeper meaning suggests that if believers are entrusted with such significant duties in the hereafter, they should be more than capable of managing and judging matters pertaining to their present lives, especially minor disputes within the Christian community.

Historical Context

The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written by Paul in approximately 55 AD. He intended to address various ethical issues, divisions, and questions of Christian practice that had arisen in the Corinthian church. At that time, it was common for Greeks and Romans to take disputes to public courts. Paul disapproved of Christians suing each other in pagan courts, as he believed it undermined the integrity of the church and its testimony to the outside world. In the political context of Corinth, a city known for its wealth and diversity, legal disputes were often a source of public entertainment as well as a means to exert power.

Theological Insights

Interpretations of 1 Corinthians 6:3 vary among theologians. The prospect of judging angels can be viewed from different angles:

• Futuristic Eschatology: Some interpret this to mean that in the eschatological future, believers will be given a role in the judgement that extends to angelic beings, possibly fallen angels or demons.
• Symbolic Authority: Others see the ‘judging of angels’ as symbolic, representing ultimate moral and spiritual authority bestowed upon the redeemed in Christ.
• Contrast with Jewish Tradition: In Jewish tradition, angels are often seen as mediators of the law. Paul contrasts this with the Christian belief that believers are under the grace of Christ, implying a hierarchy shift in the eschaton.

Practical Applications

The verse calls believers to a sense of responsibility and maturity in dealing with matters amongst themselves. Practical applications include:

• Conflict Resolution: Encouraging believers to resolve disputes within the church community rather than seeking secular courts.
• Church Governance: Informing church leadership and governance structures to provide effective mediation and judgment in conflicts.
• Spiritual Growth: Motivating individual believers to grow in wisdom and discernment as these traits are valuable both now and in the future life.

Cross-References

The themes present in 1 Corinthians 6:3 connect to other verses:

• 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.”
• Jude 1:6 – “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.”
• Revelation 20:4 – “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them…”

Language Study

The phrase “judge angels” uses the Greek words “κρινοῦμεν” (krinoumen) for “judge” which means to separate, discern, or decide a matter, and “ἀγγέλους” (angelous) meaning “angels” or “messengers.” The use of these terms denotes a decision-making or authoritative capacity over angelic beings, which would have been a striking concept to the original audience, indicating a high level of trust and responsibility given to believers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of humans judging divine beings was uncommon. In contrast, traditional Jewish literature, like the Book of Enoch, includes themes of angels being judged, reflecting a belief in angelic accountability. This underscores the novelty of Paul’s assertion and its radical implications for the early Christian self-understanding in relation to the celestial hierarchy.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of judging angels doesn’t directly intersect with empirically based disciplines. The verse deals with spiritual and supernatural beliefs, which cannot be tested or observed through scientific methods. However, it poses interesting questions about the nature of consciousness, authority, and human potential from a philosophical standpoint.

Commentaries

• John Calvin suggests that the verse alludes to the dignity and excellence of the church, putting into perspective the reality of spiritual warfare.
• Matthew Henry emphasizes the dishonor Christians bring upon the church when they go to law with one another before unbelievers.
• Gordon Fee notes the rhetorical shock value to underline Paul’s greater concern for the witness of the church.
• Craig S. Keener views the verse as indicative of the authority of believers over the spiritual realm.

Commentators generally agree that Paul’s intent is to elevate the Corinthians’ view of the church’s role in God’s plan and to encourage them to act with the wisdom and authority that role will ultimately require.