1 Corinthians 6:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 6:2
2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, judgment, righteousness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 6:2
2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
Analysis
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? Paul grounds church discipline in eschatology. Krinō (κρίνω, 'judge') appears throughout verses 1-6—the saints' future role as co-judges with Christ (Matthew 19:28, Revelation 20:4) makes present incompetence absurd. If believers will adjudicate cosmic matters, are they really unworthy to judge the smallest matters (kritērion elachistōn, κριτήριον ἐλαχίστων)?
The logic is a fortiori: greater authority assumes lesser competence. Jewish apocalyptic tradition envisioned the righteous judging nations (Wisdom 3:8, Daniel 7:22); Paul applies this to church disputes. The Corinthians' failure reveals not lack of wisdom but refusal to embrace their identity—they're playing citizens of Corinth when they're already citizens of heaven.
Historical Context
Jewish courts (beth din) handled internal disputes to avoid Roman entanglement. Paul assumes the church should function similarly as a distinct polis (political community) with its own jurisprudence. The Corinthians' reliance on secular courts showed they valued Roman citizenship over kingdom citizenship—ironic in a church obsessed with spiritual status (4:8: 'already you reign as kings!').
Reflection
- How does your future role in Christ's kingdom (judging the world and angels) reshape your view of present conflicts?
- What 'smallest matters' do you escalate because you've forgotten your eternal identity and authority?
- How can church leaders cultivate discernment so believers trust internal resolution over external litigation?
Cross-References
- Judgment: 1 Corinthians 6:4, Daniel 7:22, Revelation 20:4
- Holy: Daniel 7:18, Zechariah 14:5
- Parallel theme: Psalms 49:14, Matthew 19:28, Luke 22:30, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Revelation 3:21