1 Corinthians 6:3

Context

First Corinthians 6:3 is part of Paul's strong rebuke to the Corinthian church for their practice of taking fellow believers to secular law courts. In the verses immediately preceding this, Paul expresses astonishment that Christians, who are destined for such a high calling, would seek justice from unbelievers rather than resolving disputes internally. Verse 2 asks, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?" This sets the stage for the even more astounding revelation in verse 3, building an a fortiori argument (from the stronger to the weaker) about their capacity for discernment.

Key Themes and Messages

• Believers' Future Authority: The most striking declaration is that Christians will "judge angels." This reveals an astonishing future role for believers, signifying a position of immense spiritual authority and discernment in God's ultimate plan. This authority is not merely over earthly matters but extends into the spiritual realm, potentially involving the judgment of fallen angels or demons.
• The *A Fortiori* Argument for Internal Resolution: Paul's rhetorical question, "how much more things that pertain to this life?", underscores his main point. If believers are to be entrusted with judging beings as significant as angels, they are certainly capable—and obligated—to settle disputes among themselves concerning earthly, temporal matters, rather than bringing shame upon the church by litigating in pagan courts.
• Call for Spiritual Maturity and Wisdom: The verse implicitly challenges the Corinthian believers' lack of spiritual maturity and wisdom. Their inability or unwillingness to resolve internal conflicts demonstrated a failure to grasp the profound implications of their identity in Christ and their future destiny. This highlights the importance of seeking divine wisdom for everyday challenges.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "judge" is krinō (κρίνω), which carries a broad meaning beyond mere condemnation. It encompasses discerning, deciding, ruling, governing, and administrating justice. When applied to believers judging angels, it suggests a role of authoritative participation in God's ultimate decree and administration over spiritual beings. The term "angels" (ἀγγέλους - angelous) here likely refers to spiritual beings, specifically those who have rebelled against God, over whom believers will exercise a judicial and authoritative role in the eschatological future.

Practical Application

This verse has profound implications for how believers view their present responsibilities and future destiny:

1. Elevated Calling: It reminds Christians of their incredibly high calling and future glory, which should influence their present conduct and priorities. If we are destined for such authority, our current lives should reflect spiritual discernment and integrity.
2. Internal Conflict Resolution: The primary practical lesson is the imperative for the church to resolve its own conflicts internally, using wisdom and discernment guided by the Holy Spirit. This avoids bringing disrepute to the name of Christ and demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel to a watching world. It encourages believers to prioritize reconciliation and brotherly love over personal gain or vindication.
3. Spiritual Discernment: Believers are called to exercise spiritual discernment in all aspects of life, recognizing that they possess the capacity, through Christ, to make wise judgments even in complex "things that pertain to this life." This empowers believers to seek God's guidance for all decisions, big or small.