1 Corinthians 6:6

6 but a believer goes to court against a believer —and before unbelievers at that?

1 Corinthians 6:6 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 6:6

But brother goeth to law with brother
The relation meant is spiritual; it was usual for members of churches to be called brethren, they professing to be born again of the same Father, and belonging to the same family under Christ, the son, firstborn, and master of it: and a very wicked and shameful thing it was, that persons in such a relation, being of such a family, should go to law with one another at all:

and that before the unbelievers;
which is an aggravation of their sin and folly. The apostle before calls them "unjust", now "infidels", such as had no faith in Christ, disbelieved the Messiah, and denied the whole Gospel, and therefore no faith or confidence should be put in them; for, generally speaking, such as have no faith, are not only wicked, but unreasonable men, men of no reason, conscience, justice, and equity; and therefore very improper persons for believers to bring their causes before.

1 Corinthians 6:6 In-Context

4 If you have ordinary cases, then, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church?

5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to decide between one believer and another,

6 but a believer goes to court against a believer —and before unbelievers at that?

7 In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?

8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—and believers at that.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gk [brother]
• [b]. Gk [brother]