1 Corinthians 6:4- “Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church?”
Extended Explanation
Paul is continuing his rebuke of the Corinthian Christians for taking their legal disputes before secular courts instead of handling them within the church. In this verse, he points out the contradiction of seeking justice from those who do not live by God’s standards.
The phrase “disputes about such matters” refers to civil disagreements—likely personal conflicts, business dealings, or property disputes. These were not criminal cases but rather issues that could have been settled with godly wisdom. Instead of handling their problems among fellow believers, some Christians in Corinth were taking each other to court, exposing their divisions to the unbelieving world.
Paul’s point is sharp: if believers will one day judge the world and even angels (1 Corinthians 6:2-3), why are they seeking judgments from those who do not follow God? The phrase “whose way of life is scorned in the church” does not mean that Paul is condemning all nonbelievers. Rather, he is pointing out that unbelieving judges do not operate by Christian principles. Their legal system is based on human reasoning, not God’s wisdom.
By taking their conflicts to the world instead of resolving them among believers, the Corinthians were showing a lack of trust in God’s wisdom and failing to reflect the unity and love that should define the church.
Historical Context
In ancient Corinth, the legal system was heavily influenced by Roman and Greek traditions. Courts were not just places of justice but also platforms for public debate, competition, and social status. Wealthy individuals had more power in the courts, and outcomes were often influenced by personal connections rather than true justice.
For Christians, taking their disputes to these secular courts meant exposing the church’s weaknesses to a world that was already skeptical of their faith. Jewish tradition taught that disputes between believers should be handled within the faith community rather than relying on pagan judges. Paul is calling the Corinthians back to this principle.
Additionally, Greek culture admired skilled orators, so court cases often became more about winning an argument than seeking truth and reconciliation. Paul saw this as completely opposite to the humility and love that should define Christians.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the contrast between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. The world operates by human reasoning, personal advantage, and competition, while God’s kingdom operates by righteousness, humility, and love.
It also emphasizes the church’s role in administering godly justice. Paul is not saying the church should replace the legal system in all cases, but that believers should be able to resolve internal disputes in a way that honors God. This requires spiritual maturity, wisdom, and accountability within the Christian community.
Another theological point is the call to unity in the body of Christ. Taking fellow believers to court damages the church’s witness and shows a failure to live out Christian principles. Paul’s message is that believers should settle matters among themselves in a way that reflects God’s justice and love.
Literary Analysis
Paul’s question is rhetorical and pointed: “Do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church?” He is making the Corinthians think about their actions. His wording forces them to see the contradiction in their behavior.
The word “scorned” does not mean that Christians should look down on unbelievers, but it highlights that the values of the world often conflict with the values of God’s people. Paul is emphasizing that those outside the faith do not operate by the same moral and spiritual standards as Christians.
The structure of this verse also follows Paul’s pattern of rebuke. He first establishes a principle (believers will judge the world), then exposes the problem (taking disputes to secular courts), and finally challenges their actions with a strong rhetorical question.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 18:15-17 – Jesus’ instructions for resolving disputes within the church.
- 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 – Spiritual wisdom is different from worldly wisdom.
- James 3:17 – Godly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, and full of mercy.
- Romans 12:18-19 – Christians should live at peace with others and trust God’s justice.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – Encourages believers to trust in God’s wisdom rather than human understanding.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern Christians, this verse is a challenge to handle conflicts in a way that reflects God’s wisdom. It does not mean that believers should never use the legal system, but it does mean they should first seek to resolve disputes through biblical principles.
Many conflicts today—whether in business, family, or church relationships—could be handled with wisdom, prayer, and godly counsel instead of immediately resorting to legal action. This verse reminds believers to prioritize unity, humility, and reconciliation over winning an argument or securing personal gain.
It also encourages Christians to seek wisdom from godly leaders rather than relying solely on worldly perspectives. The church should be a place where justice is practiced, and believers should be capable of resolving issues in a fair and Christ-honoring way.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He provides wisdom for His people. He does not leave them to figure out justice on their own but gives them His Spirit, His Word, and His church to help them make wise decisions.
This verse also shows God’s desire for peace and unity among His children. He does not want His people to be divided by selfish disputes or public conflicts. Instead, He calls them to handle disagreements with love and grace, reflecting His character.
God’s love is also evident in how He values justice. He does not ignore wrongdoing but calls His people to seek justice in a way that aligns with His truth. Unlike the world’s justice system, which is often flawed and biased, God’s justice is perfect and righteous.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate Judge, yet He chose to handle conflict with humility and grace. He taught His followers to pursue reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24) and modeled this by forgiving those who wronged Him, even as He hung on the cross (Luke 23:34).
Jesus also taught that His followers should not act like the world in seeking power, revenge, or personal gain. In John 18:36, He told Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world, meaning that His followers should not rely on worldly systems for justice when God has given them a higher way.
Ultimately, Jesus settled the greatest dispute—the conflict between sinful people and a holy God. Through His sacrifice, He made reconciliation possible. Christians are called to follow His example by seeking peace and handling conflicts in a way that honors Him (Colossians 3:13).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you typically handle conflicts? Do you seek godly wisdom first, or do you rely on worldly solutions?
- Have you ever seen a legal dispute between believers harm the church’s reputation? What could have been done differently?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-17) apply to your life today?
- Are there any conflicts in your life that you need to resolve in a more Christlike way?
- What steps can you take to ensure that you seek justice in a way that reflects God’s love and wisdom?
This verse is a reminder that Christians are called to live differently from the world. Instead of relying on human systems for justice, they should trust God’s wisdom, seek peace, and handle disputes in a way that reflects His love and truth.