1 Corinthians 6 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of 1 Corinthians 6

The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul went on to become one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity throughout the ancient world. Paul addresses several issues that were causing division and immorality within the church in Corinth in this chapter. He reminds the believers that they are called to live holy lives, set apart from the sinful practices of the surrounding culture. The chapter foreshadows Paul’s strong warnings against sexual immorality and the importance of the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Paul draws on teachings from the Old Testament, such as the command not to associate with sexually immoral people (1 Corinthians 5:9-13), as well as his own apostolic authority to address these problems in the church. His words challenge the Corinthians to align their behavior with their new identity in Christ and to seek justice through the church rather than the pagan legal system.

1 Corinthians 6:1-6

The passage in 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 addresses the issue of believers taking legal disputes against one another in front of secular courts rather than resolving conflicts within the church community. Let’s break down the important sections of this passage:

1. “When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?”
   Here, Paul is questioning the Corinthians’ decision to bring their conflicts before the secular courts rather than resolving them within the church. He emphasizes the idea that believers should be able to handle disputes amongst themselves in a way that reflects their commitment to Christ and the values of the Christian community.

2. “Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?”
   Paul reminds the Corinthians of their future role in judging the world alongside Christ. Therefore, they should be able to handle even the smallest disputes among themselves. This suggestion underscores the importance of believers learning how to resolve conflicts with grace and wisdom, as they will play a part in judging the very world they live in.

3. **”Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! Paul further emphasizes the authority and responsibility that believers will have in the future in this statement. If they are to judge even angels, they should be able to handle matters of much lesser importance in the present life. This serves as a reminder to the Corinthians, and to believers today, of the seriousness and significance of resolving conflicts within the church community.

4. “So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?”
   Paul questions the Corinthians on why they are seeking resolution outside of the church community when there are wise and capable individuals within the church who could assist in settling disputes. This highlights the importance of seeking guidance and resolution from fellow believers who share the same faith and values. This passage in 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 underscores the significance of handling conflicts and disputes within the church community. It emphasizes the idea that believers should be able to resolve their issues with wisdom and humility, rather than turning to secular authorities for resolution. Paul is urging the Corinthians to act in a manner that reflects their identity as children of God and members of the body of Christ by highlighting the future role of believers in judging the world and even angels. This passage serves as a timeless message for believers today, encouraging them to seek reconciliation and resolution within the context of their faith community, guided by Christian principles and values.

This message echos other teachings in the Bible, such as Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus instructs believers on steps to take when a brother or sister sins against them. The emphasis is on resolving issues privately within the church first, showing the importance of reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ. Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 6 underscores the importance of believers upholding these principles in all aspects of their lives, including the resolution of conflicts and disputes.

1 Corinthians 6:7-11

Several important sections are found in 1 Corinthians 6:7-11. “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”

Here, the Apostle Paul is addressing the issue of Christians taking each other to court. He questions why believers would resort to legal action against one another instead of choosing to endure wrong or injustice. Paul emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts within the church in a way that reflects Christian values such as forgiveness, reconciliation, and humility. Paul urges the Corinthian believers to prioritize their relationships and unity within the body of Christ by pointing out that taking disputes to secular courts reflects a lack of spiritual maturity.

1. “Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters.”

Paul highlights the hypocrisy within the Corinthian church, where members were engaging in unethical behavior towards fellow believers. They were contradicting the very values of love and integrity that should mark their interactions as followers of Christ by cheating and wronging each other. This admonition serves as a reminder that Christian conduct should always reflect the teachings and example of Jesus, who taught his disciples to love one another and to treat others with kindness, honesty, and fairness.

1. “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Paul lists various sins that are incompatible with inheriting the kingdom of God in this section. He underscores the seriousness of living a life contrary to God’s commands by highlighting the consequences of unrepentant sin. The specific sins mentioned, such as sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, theft, greed, drunkenness, slander, and swindling, reveal the wide range of behaviors that can separate individuals from God’s presence. However, it is crucial to remember that Paul’s intention is not to condemn but to point believers towards repentance and transformation through the grace of Christ.

2. “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Paul provides hope and encouragement in the final part of these verses by reminding the Corinthians of their transformed identity in Christ. Despite their past sins and failures, they have been washed clean, set apart for God’s purposes, and declared righteous through the work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. This transformation underscores the message of redemption and restoration found throughout the Bible, where God’s grace is able to turn sinners into saints and offer new life to all who believe and repent. This passage from 1 Corinthians 6 emphasizes the importance of handling conflicts within the church with integrity and love, living according to God’s standards of righteousness, and embracing the transformative power of Christ’s redemption. It serves as a powerful reminder that as Christians, our actions, attitudes, and relationships should reflect the values of the Kingdom of God, offering a compelling testimony to the world of the life-changing impact of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Several important sections in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 offer valuable insights into the Christian faith. Let’s break down the verse into key points for a more in-depth analysis.

1. “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.”

This section addresses the concept of Christian freedom and responsibility. The Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians that while they may have the freedom to engage in various activities, not everything is beneficial or constructive. This idea of discerning what is truly beneficial aligns with other teachings in the Bible, such as in 1 Corinthians 10:23 where Paul again emphasizes the importance of considering others and seeking the good of many.

1. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”

Here, Paul contrasts the temporary nature of physical needs like food with the eternal significance of our bodies. He highlights that the body is not just a vessel for satisfying physical desires but is meant to glorify God. This ties into larger themes in the Bible about honoring God with our bodies, such as in Romans 12:1 where believers are called to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

1. “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!”

Paul shifts the focus to the spiritual union believers have with Christ. He emphasizes the sacredness of our physical selves by highlighting that our bodies are members of Christ himself. The imagery of joining Christ with a prostitute starkly illustrates the idea that engaging in sexual immorality is not just a physical act but a spiritual one that defiles the union believers have with Christ.

1. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Paul reminds the Corinthians in this powerful conclusion that the Holy Spirit dwells within them, sanctifying their bodies as temples of God. Believers are called to honor God with their bodies because they belong to Him, having been purchased with the ultimate price through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This echoes the theme of stewardship found in other parts of the Bible, like in 1 Peter 4:10 where believers are urged to use their gifts to serve others as good stewards of God’s grace. 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 serves as a significant reminder for Christians to be mindful of their freedom and responsibilities in Christ. The passage underscores the importance of honoring God with our bodies, recognizing the sacred union believers have with Christ, and living lives that glorify God in all aspects. This passage encourages us to seek what is truly beneficial, avoid practices that lead to sin, and strive to live in a way that reflects our identity as temples of the Holy Spirit as we navigate the complexities of life.

After 1 Corinthians 6

Beloved congregation, in the words of the apostle Paul, we have been reminded of the importance of living in a manner that glorifies God. We have learned that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we are called to honor God with our actions. We should heed this call to purity and righteousness, turning away from immorality and seeking to live in a way that reflects the love and grace of our Lord. Let us carry the exhortation to flee from sexual immorality and to pursue holiness in all aspects of our lives as we close this chapter. We have been bought with a price, the precious blood of Christ, so we are called to glorify God in our bodies. May we walk in the light of His truth and love, seeking to honor Him in all that we do. Amen.