1 CorinthiansSample

In this section, Paul brings up the example that Christians will one day judge angels. He seems to presume this is knowledge already familiar to the Corinthians. Depending on one's church background, this may sound strange to readers today. Yet Jesus also speaks in Matthew 19:28 of His followers judging alongside Him (in that verse, the twelve tribes of Israel). Which angels will be judged here? Most likely, those who rebelled against God (cf. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6).

Paul shakes his head that church members are dragging each other before secular courts. For him, this not only makes no sense, but it is also a threefold bad sign:

1. It harms the church's witness: When Christians publicly fight one another, the public witness of the gospel is damaged. The church loses credibility.
2. It shows a lack of spiritual maturity: The church should have capable and spiritually mature people who are able to help and mediate in conflicts.
3. It reveals a false understanding of discipleship: Paul goes so far as to say, "Why not rather be wronged?" (v. 7). This contradicts our natural sense of justice—and for that very reason, it shows how radical the gospel is. Sometimes it honors God more to give up your rights than to enforce them.

For Further Thought

Those who know that God provides for them and will judge righteously in the end can let go with greater peace. Sometimes true freedom is demonstrated in giving up your rights—not because the matter is unimportant, but because God will have the last word.