6:1 Dare {1} {a} any of you, having a matter against another, go to law {b} before the unjust, {2} and not before the saints?
(1) The third question is of civil judgments. Whether it is lawful for one of the faithful to draw another of the faithful before the judgment seat of an infidel? He answers that is not lawful because it is an offence for the faithful to do this, for it is not evil in itself that a matter be brought before the judgment seat, even of an infidel.
(a) As if he said, Have you become so impudent, that you are not ashamed to make the Gospel a laughing stock to profane men?
(b) Before the unjust.
(2) He adds that he does not forbid that one neighbour may go to law with another, if need so require, but yet under holy judges.
6:1 Litigation Among Brethren
SUMMARY OF I CORINTHIANS 6:
Going to Law Before Heathen. The Saints As Judges. Suffer Wrong Rather Than Do Wrong. The Impure Cannot Be God's Children. What Is Lawful Not Always Expedient. The Christian's Body a Temple.
Dare any of you... go to law before the unjust? The third indictment against the Corinthian church is now presented. Some had sought judgments against their brethren in heathen courts. This Paul indignantly rebukes. The Jews themselves made it a rule never to carry cases before heathen tribunals. Much worse was it in Christians.
6:1 The unjust - The heathens. A Christian could expect no justice from these. The saints - Who might easily decide these smaller differences in a private and friendly manner.
6:1-8 Christians should not contend with one another, for they are brethren. This, if duly attended to, would prevent many law-suits, and end many quarrels and disputes. In matters of great damage to ourselves or families, we may use lawful means to right ourselves, but Christians should be of a forgiving temper. Refer the matters in dispute, rather than go to law about them. They are trifles, and may easily be settled, if you first conquer your own spirits. Bear and forbear, and the men of least skill among you may end your quarrels. It is a shame that little quarrels should grow to such a head among Christians, that they cannot be determined by the brethren. The peace of a man's own mind, and the calm of his neighbourhood, are worth more than victory. Lawsuits could not take place among brethren, unless there were faults among them.
