1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather [suffer yourselves to] be defrauded?
8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that [your] brethren.
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body [is] not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make [them] the members of an harlot? God forbid.
16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Overview of 1 Corinthians Chapter 6
1 Corinthians Chapter 6 addresses several important issues within the Corinthian church, including lawsuits among believers, sexual immorality, and the proper understanding of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining a Christian witness and living in a manner that reflects one’s identity in Christ.
Key Themes
- Disputes Among Believers: Paul addresses the issue of Christians taking legal disputes to secular courts.
- Sexual Immorality: The chapter discusses the dangers of sexual sin and its implications for the believer.
- Body as a Temple: Paul teaches that the body is not just a physical entity but a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
- Redemption and Identity: The chapter emphasizes the transformative power of Christ and the new identity believers have in Him.
Detailed Analysis
1. Disputes Among Believers (Verses 1-8)
In the opening verses, Paul expresses his disapproval of Christians taking their disputes to secular courts. He argues that believers should be able to resolve their issues internally, as they are part of the same body of Christ.
- Judgment by the Saints: Paul asserts that believers will judge the world and even angels, implying that they should be competent to resolve their own disputes.
- Shame and Witness: Taking disputes to non-believers brings shame to the church and undermines its witness to the world.
- Self-Reflection: Paul encourages self-examination, suggesting that it is better to suffer wrong than to bring disgrace to the church.
2. Sexual Immorality (Verses 9-20)
Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality, highlighting its serious nature and consequences for believers.
- Listing of Sins: Paul provides a list of behaviors that will prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God, including sexual immorality, idolatry, and theft.
- Transformation: He reminds the Corinthians that many of them were once engaged in these sins but have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus.
- Body as a Temple: Paul emphasizes that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to honor God with their bodies.
- Union with Christ: He warns against uniting oneself with a prostitute, highlighting the spiritual implications of such actions.
3. Theological Implications
The chapter presents significant theological insights regarding the nature of the Christian life.
- Unity in Christ: Believers are called to live in unity, resolving conflicts among themselves rather than seeking secular judgment.
- Holiness and Conduct: The call to holiness is paramount, as believers are to reflect their identity as redeemed individuals.
- Value of the Body: The body is not merely physical; it is a sacred space that houses the Holy Spirit, which demands respect and purity.
Conclusion
1 Corinthians Chapter 6 serves as a vital reminder for believers regarding the importance of resolving conflicts within the church, maintaining sexual purity, and recognizing the sanctity of their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s teachings encourage the Corinthian church to live in a manner worthy of their calling and to reflect the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.
