1 Corinthians 6:7

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 6:7 (KJV)

In 1 Corinthians 6:7, the Apostle Paul delivers a sharp rebuke to the believers in Corinth regarding their contentious legal disputes. He highlights a fundamental flaw in their conduct, urging them to prioritize spiritual values over personal vindication in secular courts.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's larger argument in 1 Corinthians chapter 6, where he addresses the scandalous practice of Christians suing one another before pagan judges. The Corinthian church, despite its spiritual gifts, was marked by significant disunity and immaturity. Paul questions their wisdom, suggesting that if they are to judge angels, they should certainly be capable of resolving minor disputes among themselves (1 Corinthians 6:3). Their willingness to air grievances in public courts, rather than seeking internal resolution, brought shame upon the name of Christ and undermined their witness to the surrounding pagan society.

Key Themes

• A "Fault" or Moral Defeat: Paul declares that going to law against each other is "utterly a fault" (Greek: hettēma), signifying a moral failure, a defeat, or a spiritual deficit. It's not just a minor disagreement but a profound problem that indicates a lack of Christian character and maturity.
• Sacrifice Over Self-Righteousness: The rhetorical questions, "Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather [suffer yourselves to] be defrauded?" challenge believers to embrace a radical, Christ-like humility. Paul suggests that it is better to suffer injustice or financial loss than to damage the church's unity and reputation through public litigation.
• Christian Witness and Reputation: Lawsuits among believers in pagan courts presented a terrible testimony to non-Christians. It showed that the love, unity, and justice preached by Christians were not practiced among themselves, thereby hindering the spread of the Gospel.
• The Nature of Christian Love: Paul’s instruction underscores that genuine Christian love (agape love) seeks the good of others and the glory of God above personal rights or material gain. It calls for a willingness to absorb loss for the sake of peace and unity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "fault" is hettēma (ἥττημα), which literally means 'a diminution, loss, defeat, failure'. It's a strong word, conveying that their actions represented a spiritual setback or a moral failing for the entire community, not just the individuals involved. The phrases "take wrong" (adikēsthai) and "be defrauded" (apostereisthai) both refer to suffering injustice or being cheated. Paul's radical call is to endure these wrongs rather than seeking legal retribution, which would ultimately harm the church's spiritual standing.

Practical Application

This verse remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It challenges us to:

• Prioritize Unity and Witness: Our conduct as Christians should always reflect the love and unity of Christ, especially in how we resolve disputes. Lawsuits among believers can severely damage the church's witness in the world.
• Embrace Humility and Self-Sacrifice: Paul's teaching encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of humility, willingness to forgive, and readiness to suffer personal loss for the greater good of the Kingdom and the body of Christ. This resonates with Jesus' teaching to "turn the other cheek" and "repay no one evil for evil".
• Seek Internal Resolution: The church should be a place where conflicts are resolved through biblical principles, mediation, and arbitration, drawing on the wisdom of mature believers, rather than resorting to secular legal systems.
• Reflect Christ's Character: Ultimately, Paul calls the Corinthians (and us) to reflect the self-sacrificing love of Christ, who suffered injustice for our salvation, rather than demanding His rights.