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If then, you have to judge things pertaining to this life, do you set them to judge who are of no account in the assembly?

Verse Takeaways

1

A Question or a Command?

Scholars debate if this is a rhetorical question or a sarcastic command. The question would be: "Are you really setting heathen judges—who are of no account to the church—to decide your cases?" The sarcastic command would be: "If you must have these petty lawsuits, then just appoint your least esteemed members to judge them!" Both interpretations lead to the same conclusion: believers should handle their own disputes.

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Book Overview

1 Corinthians

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Commentaries

8

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 1 Corinthians 6:4

18th Century

Theologian

You have judgments. Causes; controversies; suits.

Things pertaining to this life. Property, etc.

Set them to ju…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On 1 Corinthians 6:4

If then ye have to judge things pertaining to this life (βιωτικα μεν ουν κριτηρια εαν εχητε). Note emphatic position (proleptic) o…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 1 Corinthians 6:4

19th Century

Bishop

If then you have judgments...—Better, If, however, you choose to have judgments to be given on matters of this life.<…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On 1 Corinthians 6:3–4

19th Century

Preacher

How much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least es…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On 1 Corinthians 6:4

The main verb “appoint” (GK 2767) is probably an imperative with a sarcastic tone. What Paul is saying is this: “If you must have disputes about th…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On 1 Corinthians 6:4

16th Century

Theologian

If you have judgments then as to things pertaining to this life. We must always keep in view what kind of cases he is addressing, for publ…

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John Gill

John Gill

On 1 Corinthians 6:4

17th Century

Pastor

If then you have judgments of things pertaining to this life ,
&c.] Not judgements relating to life and death, for t…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 1 Corinthians 6:1–8

17th Century

Minister

Christians should not contend with one another, for they are brothers and sisters. If this is carefully heeded, it would prevent many lawsuits and …