What does 1 Corinthians 6:4 mean?

If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. 1 Corinthians 6:4

Explanation

1 Corinthians 6:4 speaks to how the early Christian community should handle disputes that arise among believers. The apostle Paul is addressing a situation where Christians in Corinth were bringing their legal disputes before secular or pagan courts rather than resolving them within the church. When he refers to “set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church,” Paul is using irony to make a point. He suggests that even the least esteemed, or those considered to have the least authority within the church, would be more suitable to make judgments in these matters than the secular authorities. Essentially, he emphasizes that the wisdom found in the community of believers, no matter how seemingly insignificant the member, is preferable to the secular courts because the latter do not operate on the principles of the Christian faith.

Historical Context

The city of Corinth in the first century was a cosmopolitan center with a diverse population and a blend of Roman, Greek, and local customs. The Christian community there was relatively new and still figuring out how to live out their faith in a complex urban setting. At that time, it was common for various groups in society, including religious communities, to have their own mechanisms for resolving disputes. Paul’s advice reflects an effort to strengthen the fledgling community by encouraging self-governance in accordance with Christian values, rather than relying on the potentially corrupt secular legal system.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this passage points to the belief that the wisdom of God, as manifested in the Christian community, supersedes worldly wisdom. From a Christian viewpoint, every member of the body of Christ possesses the Holy Spirit, and therefore has access to godly wisdom. Moreover, this passage might also reflect the theology of the church as a body with many parts, each one valuable and necessary for the functioning of the whole, as articulated in 1 Corinthians 12.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, 1 Corinthians 6:4 can be applied to encourage Christians to seek counsel and resolution within their faith community before turning to external sources. It can also serve as a reminder to value every member’s perspective and contribution, regardless of their status within the church, and to approach conflict resolution with humility, discernment, and mutual respect guided by Christian principles.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”
• 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 12:22-23 – “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.”

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek of this verse is “τους ἐξουθενημένους ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ” which translates to “those who are least esteemed in the church.” The term “ἐξουθενημένους” derives from “ἐξουθενέω,” which can mean to set at naught, to despise, or to treat as nothing. The term “ἐκκλησίᾳ” refers to the church – the assembly of believers. The use of language here by Paul is strategic – it provides a stark contrast to the cultural norms of the time, where social status would dictate the capacity to judge.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrast to other ancient religions and myths, Christianity promulgated a community where all members, regardless of social standing, were valued as part of the body of Christ. This differed from the Greco-Roman society, where hierarchical status was deeply entrenched in every aspect of life, including religious practices.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct intersection between this verse and modern scientific understandings. However, the emphasis on conflict resolution within a community could be supported by psychological research that acknowledges the benefits of resolving issues in a context where shared values and beliefs are present.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries elaborate on this verse by noting the counter-cultural aspect of Paul’s challenge. For example, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that even those least esteemed by current standards would be better judges, according to Paul, than the heathen. John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible explains that Paul proposes to put a case into the hands of the most ignorant, and the most despicable member in the church, rather than to go to law before unbelievers. Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the point that Christians should not devalue their own competency in resolving matters in the face of the world, highlighting the esteem given by God to the church.