1 Corinthians 6:6

But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

But {G235} brother {G80} goeth to law {G2919} with {G3326} brother {G80}, and {G2532} that {G5124} before {G1909} the unbelievers {G571}.

Instead, a brother brings a lawsuit against another brother, and that before unbelievers!

Instead, one brother goes to law against another, and this in front of unbelievers!

but brother goeth to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?

Commentary

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians chapter 6, addresses a deeply troubling issue within the Corinthian church: believers were taking their internal disputes to secular, pagan courts rather than resolving them within the Christian community. This specific verse, "But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers," highlights the scandalous nature of their actions.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's stern rebuke against the Corinthian Christians for their litigious behavior. In the preceding verses (1 Corinthians 6:1-5), Paul expresses astonishment that believers, who are destined to judge the world and even angels, would resort to external, non-Christian authorities to settle their disagreements. The city of Corinth was known for its numerous law courts, and it seems some Christians were readily utilizing them instead of seeking spiritual counsel or mediation within the church body.

Key Themes

  • Internal Resolution of Disputes: Paul's primary concern is that believers should be capable of resolving their own conflicts. He implies that if they possess spiritual wisdom, they should be able to discern justice among themselves, perhaps through appointed arbitrators within the church.
  • Christian Witness and Reputation: Taking disputes before "unbelievers" (Greek: apistōn), meaning those outside the faith, brought immense shame and discredit to the name of Christ and the fledgling Christian community. It suggested that Christianity lacked the moral framework or spiritual maturity to handle its own affairs, thus hindering evangelism and misrepresenting the nature of God's people.
  • Prioritizing Unity and Love: The underlying message is that the pursuit of personal rights or grievances should never overshadow the imperative of maintaining brotherly love and unity within the church. Paul later suggests it would be better to suffer wrong than to bring such reproach upon the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:7).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "goeth to law" comes from the Greek word krinatai (κρίνεται), which means "is judged" or "goes to court." It emphasizes the act of submitting one's case to an external judgment. The term "unbelievers" (apistōn, ἀπίστων) starkly contrasts the spiritual standing of believers with those who do not share their faith, highlighting the incongruity of seeking justice from those who do not acknowledge God's ultimate authority.

Practical Application

This verse remains highly relevant for Christians and churches today. It challenges believers to:

  • Seek Reconciliation: Prioritize resolving conflicts internally through biblical principles of forgiveness, mediation, and reconciliation, as outlined in passages like Matthew 18:15-17.
  • Guard the Church's Reputation: Be mindful of how personal actions reflect on the wider Christian community. Our conduct, especially in disputes, should commend the Gospel, not disparage it.
  • Embrace Humility: Sometimes, it means being willing to suffer a wrong or relinquish a right for the greater good of the church and the glory of God.

While there are legitimate situations where secular legal avenues may be necessary (e.g., criminal matters, defending against false accusations), Paul's primary admonition here concerns civil disputes between believers that should ideally be settled within the spiritual family.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14 (3 votes)

    Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

  • 1 John 2:9 (3 votes)

    He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

  • 1 John 2:11 (3 votes)

    But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

  • 1 John 3:11 (3 votes)

    ¶ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

  • 1 John 3:15 (3 votes)

    Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

  • Philippians 2:14 (3 votes)

    ¶ Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

  • Philippians 2:15 (3 votes)

    That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;