What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:2? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?” (1 Corinthians 6:2) • Paul reminds the Corinthians of a truth they should already grasp: believers will share in Christ’s future administration of justice. • Scripture looks ahead to a literal, coming kingdom in which the redeemed participate in judgment: – Jesus told the Twelve, “When the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28). – He promised His disciples they would “eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:30). – John saw thrones in which those who had been faithful “sat in judgment” (Revelation 20:4). – Paul later affirms, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12). • Because this future role is certain, believers are called even now to cultivate righteous discernment and moral clarity (see Philippians 1:9–10). • Paul’s rhetorical “Do you not know” highlights that ignorance of this destiny undermines present Christian conduct. And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? “And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?” (1 Corinthians 6:2) • Paul moves from future reality to present responsibility. If Christians will one day handle matters of global significance, they should readily settle everyday disputes. • The immediate context shows believers were taking one another to secular courts (1 Corinthians 6:1). Paul calls that practice a failure of identity and maturity. • Practical implications: – Exercise Spirit-led wisdom in resolving relational conflicts (Galatians 6:1; James 3:17). – Seek counsel from godly leaders within the church rather than unbelieving judges (1 Corinthians 6:5). – View seemingly “trivial” issues through an eternal lens, valuing unity and testimony (John 17:21; Ephesians 4:3). – Remember that righteous judgment begins with the household of God (1 Peter 4:17). • By linking future authority with present competence, Paul urges believers to practice the discernment that will characterize their coming reign with Christ. summary 1 Corinthians 6:2 anchors Christian behavior in the certainty of a future, literal role alongside Christ in judging the world. Knowing we will share His throne, we must handle present disagreements with spiritual wisdom, unity, and integrity. The verse calls believers to live today as those already appointed to reign tomorrow. |
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