What does 1 Corinthians 6:7 mean?

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 1 Corinthians 6:7

Explanation

The verse 1 Corinthians 6:7 is a part of the Apostle Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian church regarding lawsuits among believers. Paul is admonishing the Corinthians for taking their disputes to secular courts instead of resolving them within the Christian community. The literal meaning is that Christians going to court against each other is already a defeat for them because it damages their witness to the outside world.

Paul suggests that it would be better to accept being wronged or defrauded than to tarnish the church’s reputation and unity. The deeper meaning reflects the principles of Christian behavior, which emphasize forgiveness, reconciliation, and maintaining the integrity of the church community.

Historical Context

During the time of Paul’s writing, the city of Corinth was a bustling Roman colony with a diverse population and a reputation for being litigious. Legal disputes were common and conducted in public view. Within this cultural backdrop, Paul wrote to the Corinthians, who were bringing their internal disputes before non-Christian judges. This was problematic because it conflicted with the Christian idea of community and the church’s role in resolving its own issues.

Theological Insights

The theological insights from this verse include the notion of Christian unity and the importance of resolving conflicts within the church body. From a Christian perspective, lawsuits among believers were seen as failing to trust in the wisdom and guidance of the church community and in the ability of God’s Spirit to bring reconciliation.

Moreover, by addressing disagreements within the fellowship of believers, Christians reflect the values taught by Jesus, such as peacemaking, love, and forgiveness, instead of resorting to worldly systems of justice.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to seek resolution to conflicts through peaceful and loving means within their own communities. This could involve mediating disputes through a neutral party, seeking advice and wisdom from respected community members, and emphasizing reconciliation over winning a legal victory.

Furthermore, this principle can be applied to wider contexts by encouraging the repair of broken relationships, choosing to forgive, and placing the well-being of the community above personal gain.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:39-40 (KJV): “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.”
• Matthew 18:15-17 (KJV): “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.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek of this verse are:

• “utterly” (Greek: “holos”) – often translating as “wholly” or “entirely,” emphasizing the completeness of the fault.
• “fault” (Greek: “hēttema”) – meaning deficit or failure, referring to a moral lapse or shortfall.
• “defrauded” (Greek: “apostereō”) – meaning to “rob” or “deprive,” connecting to the injustice being allowed.

Examining the original Greek terms provides a deeper understanding of Paul’s emphasis on the seriousness of the Corinthians’ behavior.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as the Roman legal system, public lawsuits were common for resolving disputes. In contrast, this verse advocates for a distinct Christian approach, emphasizing community-based resolution. Comparing it to the Judaic tradition, the Torah also emphasized the resolution of disputes within the community and discouraged taking fellow Israelites to court.

Scientific Perspectives

Science generally does not speak directly to theological issues or scriptural interpretation. However, the interdisciplinary fields of psychology and sociology study conflict resolution and might support the idea that community-based resolution can lead to stronger relationships and social cohesion, which aligns with the principles promoted in this verse.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer varied perspectives. Some emphasize the call to Christians to display a distinct behavior that stands in contrast to secular society. Others highlight the importance of church unity and loyalty to the body of Christ. Many assert that Paul is urging the Corinthians to demonstrate a radical form of discipleship that values peace and reconciliation over personal rights or justice. These interpretations point to a profound theological implication for church conduct and individual behavior within the community of faith.