1 Corinthians 6:1-6

The apostle, having mentioned one very great irregularity among the professors of Christianity at Corinth, proceeds now to animadvert upon another, namely, their entering into suits of law with each other in heathen courts: Dare any of you Have you so little regard for the glory of God, and the credit of Christianity, that, having a matter against another Any controversy about civil affairs; you go to law before the unjust Heathen judges, who generally were very corrupt, and from whom a Christian could expect no justice: and not before the saints Who might easily decide these smaller differences in a private and friendly manner. Do ye not know This expression occurs six times in this single chapter, and that with a peculiar force: for the Corinthians knew, and gloried in their knowledge, but their conduct was not consistent therewith. That the saints After having been judged themselves; shall judge the world Shall be assessors with Christ in the judgment wherein he shall condemn all the wicked, as well angels as men, Matthew 19:28; Revelation 20:4. And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy Unfit, unable for such a work; to judge the smallest matters Differences about worldly affairs, which are of small moment, in comparison of spiritual and heavenly matters. Know ye not that we shall judge angels? Namely, evil angels: as Christ is their judge, we shall be honoured to join with him in that judgment also, when all his enemies shall be put under his feet and ours. How much more are ye fit to decide in these low and transitory secular affairs? If then ye have judgments Differences to be decided; of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church Even the weakest among you might be adequate to that work, and certainly fitter for it than unjust heathen. I speak to your shame To make you ashamed of your proceedings. The apostle certainly did not seriously design that they should set persons to judge in these matters, (though of little importance, in comparison of spiritual things,) who were the weakest and of least esteem among them, as appears from the next clause; but he spoke ironically. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you Among you who are such admirers of wisdom, who is wise enough to decide in such causes? Not one able to judge between his brethren In those disputes which they have about earthly things? But brother goeth to law with brother One Christian with another; and that before the unbelievers To the great discredit of the Christian name; yea, to the scandal of the whole Christian institution; for they cannot but take occasion, from your mutual quarrels and accusations, to brand the whole body of you as injurious and avaricious; who, while you pretend to be so far superior to secular views, are yet so strongly attached to them, that, with all your professions of universal benevolence and brotherly love, you cannot forbear wronging one another.