What does 1 Corinthians 6:1 mean?
What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:1?

If any of you has a grievance against another

• Paul assumes conflicts will arise, even among believers; he does not condemn the grievance itself but addresses how it is handled (see Ephesians 4:26–27, “Be angry, yet do not sin,”).

• Personal offenses should first be approached face-to-face, following the Lord’s pattern in Matthew 18:15, “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately.”

• The goal is restoration, not retaliation (Colossians 3:13, “Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone”).


how dare he go to law

• “How dare” signals Paul’s shock that Christians would bypass biblical reconciliation and jump straight to secular litigation.

• Civil courts invite an adversarial spirit instead of fostering forgiveness (Romans 12:17-18, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone”).

• Public lawsuits broadcast church discord to a watching world, undercutting the gospel witness (John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another”).


before the unrighteous

• The term points to judges and systems that do not recognize Christ’s authority (Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked”).

• Paul is not condemning secular courts in every circumstance (Romans 13:1-4 affirms government authority) but highlights the inconsistency of believers entrusting spiritual family matters to those who do not share the faith (2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers”).

• Unbelieving judges lack the Spirit-led wisdom promised to the church (James 1:5; 1 Corinthians 2:15).


instead of before the saints

• The church is called to judge internal disputes (1 Corinthians 5:12-13, “Are you not to judge those inside?”).

• Spirit-filled believers, guided by Scripture, can mediate with fairness and love (Galatians 6:1-2, “Restore him gently… bear one another’s burdens”).

• Practical steps:

– Approach the offended party privately (Matthew 18:15).

– If unresolved, invite one or two mature believers (Matthew 18:16).

– As a last resort, bring the matter before the assembled church (Matthew 18:17).


summary

Paul’s charge in 1 Corinthians 6:1 is straightforward: when conflicts arise, Christians must handle them within the family of faith. Turning first to secular courts exposes the church to worldly judgment and undermines its testimony. Instead, believers are to rely on Spirit-guided brothers and sisters to pursue restoration, forgiveness, and unity, demonstrating to the world the reconciling power of the gospel.

Does 1 Corinthians 5:13 support excommunication for unrepentant sinners?
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