1 Corinthians 6:1
If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints!
If any of you
This phrase sets the stage for a personal and communal address. The Greek word "tis" (τις) implies an indefinite pronoun, suggesting that Paul is speaking to any individual within the Corinthian church. This universality indicates that the issue at hand is not isolated but could potentially affect any member of the community. It emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability within the body of Christ.

has a grievance
The term "grievance" is translated from the Greek word "pragma" (πρᾶγμα), which can mean a matter, affair, or lawsuit. This suggests a tangible issue or dispute that requires resolution. In the historical context of Corinth, a city known for its litigious nature, grievances were often taken to public courts. Paul is addressing the tendency to handle disputes in a secular manner rather than within the Christian community.

against another
This phrase highlights the interpersonal nature of the conflict. The Greek "pros heteron" (πρὸς ἕτερον) indicates a direct opposition or conflict between individuals. It underscores the relational aspect of the Christian faith, where believers are called to live in harmony and resolve conflicts in a manner that reflects their shared identity in Christ.

how dare he
The phrase "how dare he" is a strong rhetorical question that conveys Paul's astonishment and disapproval. The Greek "tolma" (τολμᾷ) implies boldness or audacity, suggesting that taking a fellow believer to secular court is an audacious act that contradicts Christian values. It reflects Paul's expectation that believers should handle disputes differently from the secular world.

go to law
The phrase "go to law" is derived from the Greek "krinesthai" (κρίνεσθαι), meaning to judge or to bring to trial. This legal terminology indicates the formal process of litigation. In the context of the early church, this would involve taking disputes before a pagan court, which Paul argues is inappropriate for believers who are part of a holy community.

before the unrighteous
The term "unrighteous" is translated from the Greek "adikon" (ἀδίκων), meaning unjust or wicked. Paul contrasts the secular judges, who do not share the Christian moral framework, with the "saints." This highlights the incongruity of seeking justice from those who do not adhere to God's standards, emphasizing the need for a distinctively Christian approach to conflict resolution.

instead of before the saints
The word "saints" comes from the Greek "hagion" (ἁγίων), meaning holy ones or set apart. This term refers to the Christian community, who are called to live according to God's righteousness. Paul is advocating for disputes to be resolved within the church, where the values and teachings of Christ can guide the process. This reflects the early church's understanding of itself as a distinct community with its own mechanisms for justice and reconciliation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Corinthians, addressing issues within the Corinthian church.

2. Corinthian Church
The recipients of the letter, a diverse and often troubled Christian community in the city of Corinth.

3. Saints
Refers to the believers or members of the Christian community who are expected to live according to God's standards.

4. Unrighteous
In this context, it refers to secular judges or courts that do not operate under Christian principles.

5. Legal Disputes
The specific issue being addressed, where members of the church are taking their grievances to secular courts.
Teaching Points
Christian Community and Accountability
Believers are called to resolve disputes within the church community, emphasizing accountability and mutual support.

The Role of the Church in Judgment
The church is equipped to handle disputes among believers, as it operates under God's wisdom and principles.

Avoiding Secular Influence
Taking disputes to secular courts can undermine the witness of the church and expose believers to ungodly influences.

Pursuing Reconciliation
The goal of resolving disputes should be reconciliation and restoration, reflecting Christ's love and forgiveness.

Living Out Christian Values
Believers are encouraged to live out their faith in practical ways, including how they handle conflicts and grievances.
Bible Study Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize resolving disputes within the church rather than through secular courts?

2. How can the principles in Matthew 18:15-17 be applied to modern church conflicts?

3. What are some practical steps believers can take to pursue reconciliation in personal disputes?

4. How does the concept of accountability within the church community help prevent conflicts from escalating?

5. In what ways can living out Christian values in conflict resolution serve as a witness to non-believers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 18:15-17
Jesus' teaching on resolving disputes within the church community, emphasizing reconciliation and the role of the church in judgment.

1 Corinthians 5:12-13
Paul discusses the role of the church in judging those within the community, reinforcing the idea of internal resolution.

James 4:1-2
Discusses the source of conflicts and disputes among believers, pointing to internal desires and sin.

Romans 12:17-21
Encourages believers to live peaceably and leave judgment to God, promoting forgiveness and reconciliation.

Galatians 6:1-2
Advises believers to restore those caught in sin gently, highlighting the importance of community support and accountability.
First Sunday in LentMartin Luther1 Corinthians 6:1
How Shall Christians Settle Their DifferencesJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
A Lawsuit Discouraged1 Corinthians 6:1-8
A True Christian May not Always Insist on His Own RightJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Christian FaultinessCanon Evans.1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Christians and the Law CourtsE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Judgment Given to the SaintsR. Winterbotham, M. A.1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Law, Going To1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Lawsuits Among ChristiansJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Lawsuits Prevented1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Litigation Among ChristiansJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Litigation Among Christians to be AvoidedJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Litigation to be Avoided1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Litigation to be Avoided1 Corinthians 6:1-8
On Going to LawM. Dods, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:1-8
On Going to LawH. Bremner 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
The Litigious Spirit in the ChurchF. W. Robertson, M. A.1 Corinthians 6:1-8
The Relations of Christians to Public LawR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
The World Judged by the SaintsW. Fenners.1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Why a Christian Should not Go to Law with His BrethrenJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Civil Relations and Church Membership; Litigation Before Heathen CourtsC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 6:1-11
People
Corinthians, Paul, Sodomites
Places
Corinth
Topics
Brother, Case, Cause, Dare, Dispute, Gentile, God's, Grievance, Instead, Irreligious, Judge, Judged, Judgment, Law, Matter, Neighbor, Opponent, Prosecute, Saints, Suit, Takes, Ungodly, Unjust, Unrighteous
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 6:1

     5834   disagreement
     7024   church, nature of
     8846   ungodliness

1 Corinthians 6:1-2

     7155   saints

1 Corinthians 6:1-6

     5897   judging others
     7025   church, unity

1 Corinthians 6:1-7

     5216   authority, nature of
     5495   revenge, and retaliation

1 Corinthians 6:1-8

     5201   accusation
     5361   justice, human
     5383   lawsuits

Library
First Sunday in Lent
Text: Second Corinthians 6, 1-10. 1 And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain 2 (for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, and in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation): 3 giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed; 4 but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

March the Tenth Exaltation by Separation
2 CORINTHIANS vi. 11-18. When we turn away from the world, and leave it, we ourselves are not left to desolation and orphanhood. When we "come out from among them" the Lord receives us! He is waiting for us. The new companionship is ours the moment the old companionship is ended. "I will not leave you comfortless." What we have lost is compensated by infinite and eternal gain. We have lost "the whole world" and gained "the unsearchable riches of Christ." And therefore separation is exaltation. We
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

"Bought with a Price"
You will notice that in this chapter the apostle Paul has been dealing with sins of the flesh, with fornication and adultery. Now, it is at all times exceedingly difficult for the preacher either to speak or to write upon this subject; it demands the strictest care to keep the language guarded, so that while we are denouncing a detestable evil we do not ourselves promote it by a single expression that should be otherwise than chaste and pure. Observe how well the apostle Paul succeeds, for though
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

"Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live after the Flesh; for if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die,"
Rom. viii. s 12, 13.--"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh; for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die," &c. Was that not enough to contain men in obedience to God--the very essential bond of dependence upon God as the original and fountain of his being! And yet man hath cast away this cord from him, and withdrew from that allegiance he did owe to his Maker, by transgressing his holy commandments. But God, not willing that all should perish, hath confirmed
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

First Epistle of St John, Ch. Ii. Part of the 1St and 2D Verses.
If any Man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the Propitiation for our Sins. IN this Passage; the Apostle declares that it is for the sake of Jesus Christ, and on account of his sufferings, that the Sins committed by his Disciples will be forgiven by Almighty God. Now from this, and the like Declarations in the New Testament, many professed Christians have taken occasion to frame to themselves such Notions concerning the Merits of Christ, and the Sacrifice
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God

On Communion in the Lord's Supper.
1. If the reader has received the Ordinance of Baptism, and; as above recommended, dedicated himself to God.--2. He is urged to ratify that engagement at the Table of the Lord.-- 3. From a view of the ends for which that Ordinance was instituted.--4. Whence its usefulness is strongly inferred.--5. And from the Authority of Christ's Appointment; which is solemnly pressed on the conscience.--6. Objections from apprehensions of Unfitness.--7. Weakness of grace, &c. briefly answered.--8. At least, serious
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Made One
"He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit."--1 Cor. vi. 17. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 The mouth of the Lord hath spoken, Hath spoken a mighty word; My sinful heart it hath broken, Yet sweeter I never heard; "Thou, thou art, O soul, My deep desire And My love's eternal bliss: Thou art the rest where leaneth My breast, And My mouth's most holy kiss. Thou art the treasure I sought and found, Rejoicing over thee; I dwell in thee, and with thee am I crowned, And thou
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

It is Finished
V. M. C. I Cor. vi. 11 He found me the lost and the wandering, The sinful, the sad, and the lone; He said, "I have bought thee, beloved, For ever thou art Mine own. "O soul, I will show thee the wonder, The worth of My priceless Blood; Thou art whiter than snow on the mountains, Thou art fair in the eyes of God. "O vessel of living water, From the depths of the love divine, The glorious life within thee Flows from My heart to thine. "O soul altogether lovely, O pearl for which Christ was given,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The End of the Journey
C. P. C. I Cor. vi. 17 One with Christ--within the golden City Welcomed long ago, When for me He passed within the glory From the depths below. Still the gladness of that blessed welcome, Mystery of that kiss, Meeting of the Son and of the Father, Floods my soul with bliss. That sweet welcome mine--and mine for ever That eternal Home, Whereunto when all these wanderings over, I shall surely come-- There my heart is resting, and is joyful, With a joy untold-- Earth's dark ways lit up with that
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ...
13. It follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost." This Trinity, one God, one nature, one substance, one power; highest equality, no division, no diversity, perpetual dearness of love. [1795] Would ye know the Holy Ghost, that He is God? Be baptized, and ye will be His temple. The Apostle says, "Know ye not that your bodies are the temple within you of the Holy Ghost, Whom ye have of God?" [1796] A temple is for God: thus also Solomon, king and prophet, was bidden to build a temple for God. If
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

Lo, There is Your Good Compared to that Good...
4. Lo, there is your good compared to that good, which the Apostle calls his own, if faith be present: yea, rather, because faith is present. Short is this teaching, yet not on this account to be despised, because it is short; but on this account to be retained the more easily and the more dearly, in that in shortness it is not cheap. For it is not every kind of good soever, which the Apostle would here set forth, which he hath unambiguously placed above the faith of married women. But how great
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Thou Art Beautiful, O My Love, Sweet and Comely as Jerusalem, Terrible as an Army Set in Array.
The Bridegroom finding His bride entirely free from self, dissolved and prepared for the consummation of the marriage, and to be received into a state of permanent and lasting union with Himself, admires her beauty; He tells her that she is beautiful because He finds in her a certain charm and sweetness which approaches the divine. Thou art comely, He continues, as Jerusalem; for since thou hast lost everything of thine own to devote it wholly to Me, thou art adorned and embellished with all that
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

That Clerics be not Compelled to Give Testimony in Public Concerning the Cognizance of their Own Judgment.
That clerics be not compelled to give testimony in public concerning the cognizance of their own judgment. It should be petitioned also that they deign to decree, that if perchance any shall have been willing to plead their cause in any church according to the Apostolic law imposed upon the Churches, and it happens that the decision of the clergy does not satisfy one of the parties, it be not lawful to summon that clergyman who had been cognitor or present, [459] into judgment as a witness, and that
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Concerning Justification.
Concerning Justification. As many as resist not this light, but receive the same, it becomes in them an holy, pure, and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, purity, and all those other blessed fruits which are acceptable to God: by which holy birth, to wit, Jesus Christ formed within us, and working his works in us, as we are sanctified, so are we justified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words; But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Concerning Worship.
Concerning Worship. [780] All true and acceptable worship to God is offered in the inward and immediate moving and drawing of his own Spirit which is neither limited to places times, nor persons. For though we are to worship him always, and continually to fear before him; [781] yet as to the outward signification thereof, in prayers, praises, or preachings, we ought not to do it in our own will, where and when we will; but where and when we are moved thereunto by the stirring and secret inspiration
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Tempest and Trust
And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. 14. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. 15. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. 16. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: 17. Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Death to Sin through Christ
"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."-Romans 6:11. THE connection of this passage will help us to understand its meaning. Near the close of the previous chapter Paul had said, "The law entered that the offence might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord." He speaks here of
Charles G. Finney—Sermons on Gospel Themes

Twenty-Eighth Day that all God's People May Know the Holy Spirit
WHAT TO PRAY.--That all God's People may know the Holy Spirit "The Spirit of truth, whom the world knoweth not; but ye know Him; for He abideth with you, and shall be in you."--JOHN xiv. 17. "Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost?"--1 COR. vi. 19. The Holy Spirit is the power of God for the salvation of men. He only works as He dwells in the Church. He is given to enable believers to live wholly as God would have them live, in the full experience and witness of Him who saves
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

"But Ye are not in the Flesh, but in the Spirit, if So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now, if any Man
Rom. viii. 9.--"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Application is the very life of the word, at least it is a necessary condition for the living operation of it. The application of the word to the hearts of hearers by preaching, and the application of your hearts again to the word by meditation, these two meeting together, and striking one upon another, will yield fire.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Indwelling Spirit Fully and Forever Satisfying.
The Holy Spirit takes up His abode in the one who is born of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul says to the believers in Corinth in 1 Cor. iii. 16, R. V., "Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" This passage refers, not so much to the individual believer, as to the whole body of believers, the Church. The Church as a body is indwelt by the Spirit of God. But in 1 Cor. vi. 19, R. V., we read, "Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost which is
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

We are not Binding Heavy Burdens and Laying them Upon Your Shoulders...
37. We are not binding heavy burdens and laying them upon your shoulders, while we with a finger will not touch them. Seek out, and acknowledge the labor of our occupations, and in some of us the infirmities of our bodies also, and in the Churches which we serve, that custom now grown up, that they do not suffer us to have time ourselves for those works to which we exhort you. For though we might say, "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

For, Whereas that Natural Use, when it Pass Beyond the Compact of Marriage...
12. For, whereas that natural use, when it pass beyond the compact of marriage, that is, beyond the necessity of begetting, is pardonable in the case of a wife, damnable in the case of an harlot; that which is against nature is execrable when done in the case of an harlot, but more execrable in the case of a wife. Of so great power is the ordinance of the Creator, and the order of Creation, that, in matters allowed us to use, even when the due measure is exceeded, it is far more tolerable, than,
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Whence, Also, what the Apostle Paul Said of the Unmarried Woman...
8. Whence, also, what the Apostle Paul said of the unmarried woman, "that she may be holy both in body and spirit;" [2237] we are not so to understand, as though a faithful woman being married and chaste, and according to the Scriptures subject unto her husband, be not holy in body, but only in spirit. For it cannot come to pass, that when the spirit is sanctified, the body also be not holy, of which the sanctified spirit maketh use: but, that we seem not to any to argue rather than to prove this
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

The Blessed Hope and Its Power
PHILIPPIANS iii. 17-21 The problem of the body--Cautions and tears--"That blessed hope"--The duty of warning--The moral power of the hope--The hope full of immortality--My mother's life--"He is able"--The promise of his coming The Apostle draws to the close of his appeal for a true and watchful fidelity to the Gospel. He has done with his warning against Judaistic legalism. He has expounded, in the form of a personal confession and testimony, the true Christian position, the acceptance of the
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

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