I Corinthians 6:1-9 – Legal conflicts in the church

In chapter 6 the apostle dealt with the Corinthians, concerning a member of the church pursing legal action against one another. The reason for the dispute was not made clear. But we do know from verse 4 that it had to do with matters of this life. This phrase “matters of life” suggests that they were mundane issues of life. The word defraud in verse 7-8 gives the hint that it could be disagreements over financial matters.

Paul was disturbed by the report of legal tussles in the church. The Corinthians seemed to have a misplaced sense of justice. Over the incestuous sexual relationship in the church they were nonchalant but toward ordinary matters of life they were so uptight. Paul wanted to bring a sense of shame to what they were doing.  

 

The main reason why Paul was disturbed with the Corinthians, was their failure to take responsibility for one another. Thus, they had failed as a community. Paul was particularly upset because matters that could be dealt with among themselves, were brought before an unrighteous judge in the civil court. The judge was deemed unrighteous because he did not belong to the covenant community.

 

By going to a civil court over their legal disputes and grievances against each other, they were going before pagan courts to settle their matters. They should instead allow the people of God to deal with and settle the matter. Paul was puzzled because, if as believers who would ultimately be judging the world and even angels, why couldn’t they settle such mundane issues of life? He told them why not suffer wrong and be defrauded, than to do the wrong thing by going to the civil court to rob another brother.  

 

The civil court in Rome was thought to be partial. The unrighteous judges had often shown favor to the people who are of higher status. Furthermore people with means had the ability to bribe the judge as well. It was possible that those suing their fellow believers in a civil court were the more well off. Whereas those being brought to court had less financial means. Paul showed in verse 7 that to have lawsuit against each other was already a defeat. This was a no win for either. As a whole, the church had lost even if either of the parties in dispute should win the case. By battling out in the court against another believer, one would have promoted a wrong, and thus become a wrong doer.  So Paul asked, won’t it be better to suffer wrong than to be an evil doer?

Magnanimity rightly exercised reflects our Lord better than when we insist on our rights. The church then, lacked this spirit. Paul’s words elsewhere urged us to be generous in spirit. “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men, If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:17-18)