Able to Judge

1Corinthians 6:1-6 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know you not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goes to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. 

‘Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? …’ This is the 6th New Testament prophecy in 1 Corinthians that is unfulfilled. This refers to the Millennial and eternal reign of Jesus Christ and His saints. They will reign over all nations on earth and help administer the affairs of the universe forever (Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14, 27; Zech. 14:1-21; Matt. 19:28; Luke 2:31-32; Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 11:15; 20:4; 22:5).

‘And if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?’ If the saints are to judge the world, then they should be able to settle small matters among themselves on earth.

‘Judge’ [Greek: krino] to judge; make a legal decision. It does not refer to passing sentence on angels or sending them to punishment. It does mean that saints will be exalted higher than angels and will rule them, making decisions for the administration of the universe. Saints, not angels, become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ to inherit all things (Rom. 8:17-18; Gal. 5:21; Heb. 6:12; Rev. 21:7). Even now saints are being examples to angels (Eph. 3:8-11; 1Cor. 4:9; 11:10). Angels are eager to learn about the plan of God for the redeemed (1Pet. 1:10-13).

‘How much more things that pertain to this life?’ If saints are to judge angels, how much more should they be capable of judging things that pertain to this life.

‘If then you have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.’ If you have judgments and they are so complicated that believers cannot give justice, they then set them to judge that is the least esteemed in the congregation. This seems to be irony to shame them for not being willing to take the responsibility for decisions that should be made (1Cor. 6:4-6).