1 Corinthians 6:2 says that God’s people will one day take part in judging the world, and that because of this, Christians should be able to settle small disputes among themselves rather than dragging them into secular courts. The apostle Paul wrote this to the church in Corinth, a busy port city where believers were suing one another in front of unbelieving judges.
Don’t you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1 Corinthians 6:2 (WEB)
What 1 Corinthians 6:2 Means
Paul opens with a question, “Don’t you know?”, which tells you he expects the Corinthians already understand this truth. The phrase “the saints” refers to God’s people, those set apart for God through Christ, not a special class of holy individuals. “Judge the world” points to a future role in God’s final justice, when the faithful share in God’s verdicts over human affairs.
The second half of the verse is an argument from the lesser to the greater. If believers will one day govern the wider world, Paul asks, are they really unable to settle a dispute between two brothers? The verse does not describe the details of how this judging will happen, nor does it say every Christian will sit as a judge over particular people. It establishes a principle: God’s people are capable of wise, fair decisions, and they should use that capacity now.
The Context of 1 Corinthians 6:2
First Corinthians was written by Paul, most likely in the mid-50s AD, to a congregation he had founded and that was struggling with division, immorality and confusion about everyday Christian conduct. Chapter 6 deals with lawsuits between believers, and Paul is shocked that disputes are being taken to unbelieving judges whose standards he regards as inferior for the church’s internal life.
Verse 2 is the first of two reasons Paul gives for his rebuke. Verse 1 describes the problem, verses 3 to 5 extend the argument to angels and everyday matters, and verse 5 expresses his frustration that there is not even one wise person in the church who could mediate. Read this way, the verse is not a claim about personal status but a corrective: the Corinthians were acting as though they had no wisdom or standing at all.
Key Phrases in 1 Corinthians 6:2
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.
(WEB)
Jesus gives a practical pattern for resolving a fellow believer’s offense privately first. It complements Paul’s concern that Christians handle disputes among themselves in a way that protects the community and restores the brother.
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.
(WEB)
Paul urges believers to pursue peace with everyone as far as it depends on them. This echoes the goal behind 1 Corinthians 6:2, which is reconciliation within the body of Christ rather than adversarial conflict.
A Short Prayer From 1 Corinthians 6:2
Lord, you have called me into your family and made me part of your holy people. When I face conflict with someone I love or work beside, help me remember who I am in you and seek wisdom rather than revenge. Give me humility to speak honestly, patience to listen well, and a desire for reconciliation that reflects your grace. Let my choices today show the world a little of the justice and peace you will one day bring in full. Amen.
