Navigating Legal Battles and Embracing Sexual Purity: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on 1 Corinthians 6

Executive Summary ✨

1 Corinthians 6 addresses two crucial issues that plagued the Corinthian church: resorting to secular courts to resolve disputes among believers and the pervasive problem of sexual immorality. Paul vehemently argues against Christians suing one another, emphasizing that believers, who will one day judge angels, should be capable of resolving earthly matters internally. He then transitions to a powerful discourse on the sanctity of the body, refuting the notion that sexual activity is merely a physical act devoid of spiritual consequence. Paul insists that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, purchased at a great price, and therefore should be used to glorify God. This chapter is a clarion call for Christians to live lives of reconciliation, integrity, and sexual purity, reflecting the transformative power of Christ within them. Understanding how to live out spiritual purity in our daily lives is crucial for a fulfilling Christian journey.

The Apostle Paul confronts the Corinthian church’s flawed understanding of Christian living in 1 Corinthians 6. He challenges their worldly approach to conflict resolution and their permissive attitude toward sexual sin, offering a profound theological framework for understanding the Christian’s relationship to both the world and their own bodies. This chapter serves as a timeless guide for navigating the complexities of modern life while maintaining fidelity to God’s commandments and honoring the sanctity of the temple of the Holy Spirit which we become through baptism. It emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the call to live a life worthy of that indwelling presence. Christians are called to navigate legal battles and embrace spiritual purity.

Commentary Sections 📖

1 Corinthians 6:1-6: Suing Brethren

Original Verse (KJV): Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? 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 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 goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

Original Verse (NKJV): How dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to be judges? I say this to your shame. Is it so that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!

Paul begins with a sharp rebuke, questioning the Corinthians’ decision to resolve disputes in secular courts presided over by “the unjust” (τοὺς ἀδίκους). He reminds them of their future role in judging the world and even angels, as prophesied in various Old Testament passages and understood in the early Church. This judgment isn’t about condemnation but rather a participation in God’s righteous governance. The Coptic tradition emphasizes the believer’s transformation into a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17) capable of discerning righteous judgment.

St. Athanasius, in his work *Contra Gentes*, writes of the Christian’s potential to rise above worldly judgments: “καὶ γὰρ οἱ Χριστιανοὶ κρίνουσιν τὸν κόσμον οὐ μόνον διὰ τῆς πίστεως, ἀλλὰ καὶ διὰ τῶν ἔργων αὐτῶν” (*kai gar hoi Christianoi krinousin ton kosmon ou monon dia tēs pisteōs, alla kai dia tōn ergōn autōn* – “For Christians judge the world not only through their faith but also through their works.”) This highlights the importance of Christian conduct as a reflection of divine judgment.

Paul’s suggestion to appoint “those who are least esteemed in the church” is not an endorsement of incompetence but a pointed critique of the Corinthians’ values. He is suggesting that even those considered less significant within the community possess more wisdom and integrity than the secular judges they are appealing to. This echoes the biblical theme of God choosing the weak and foolish to confound the wise and strong (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

Spiritual Application: Are we trusting worldly systems more than the wisdom and grace within our own Christian community? Seek reconciliation and mediation within the church before resorting to external legal action. Consider using a platform like dohost.us to facilitate communication and resolution, if needed. We should be striving to be examples of Christ-like reconciliation.

1 Corinthians 6:7-8: Suffering Wrongfully

Original Verse (KJV): Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

Original Verse (NKJV): Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren!

Paul goes further, stating that even the act of suing a fellow believer is a moral failing in itself. He challenges them to embrace suffering wrong and being defrauded rather than engage in contentious legal battles. This echoes Jesus’ teaching on turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and prioritizing love and forgiveness above personal gain. Such an attitude demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel.

St. Macarius the Great, in his *Homilies*, speaks of the spiritual benefit of enduring injustice: “διὰ γὰρ τοῦ ἀδικεῖσθαι καθαίρεται ἡ ψυχὴ, καὶ γίνεται ἕτοιμος τῷ Θεῷ” (*dia gar tou adikeisthai kathairetai hē psychē, kai ginetai hetoimos tō Theō* – “For through being wronged, the soul is cleansed and becomes ready for God.”). This underscores the Coptic Orthodox understanding of suffering as a means of spiritual purification and growth.

Paul then accuses them of actively wronging and defrauding their brethren, highlighting the hypocrisy of seeking justice in secular courts while perpetrating injustice themselves. This reveals a deep-seated problem of selfishness and disregard for the well-being of fellow believers.

Spiritual Application: Are we willing to sacrifice our personal rights and comfort for the sake of unity and love within the church? Consider how your actions impact your brothers and sisters in Christ. Practice forgiveness and seek peaceful resolution, even if it means enduring some loss.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11: The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom

Original Verse (KJV): Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Original Verse (NKJV): Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Paul issues a stark warning, listing a series of sins that exclude individuals from the Kingdom of God. This list includes sexual immorality (πόρνοι, μοιχοί, ἀρσενοκοῖται, μαλακοὶ), idolatry, theft, covetousness, drunkenness, and various forms of injustice. It’s crucial to understand that this isn’t about earning salvation through moral perfection but rather about the transformative power of God’s grace in the lives of believers.

The term “ἀρσενοκοῖται” has been subject to much debate. The Coptic Orthodox Church interprets this term, within the context of the broader biblical teaching, to refer to homosexual acts. The Church holds a consistent view on marriage as being between one man and one woman and views sexual activity outside of this union as sinful.

He then reminds the Corinthians of their past lives, emphasizing that they were once characterized by these very sins. However, they have been “washed” (ἀπελούσασθε), “sanctified” (ἡγιάσθητε), and “justified” (ἐδικαιώθητε) through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. This highlights the transformative nature of baptism and the ongoing process of sanctification in the Christian life. Repentance and a turning away from sin are essential elements of this transformation.

Spiritual Application: Reflect on the grace that has transformed your life. Acknowledge your past failings and embrace the ongoing process of sanctification. Strive to live a life that reflects the holiness of God, turning away from sin and pursuing righteousness.

1 Corinthians 6:12-20: Glorifying God in Your Body

Original Verse (KJV): All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined unto an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Original Verse (NKJV): All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful; all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of anything. Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Paul addresses a slogan circulating in Corinth: “All things are lawful for me.” He acknowledges this principle in a limited sense, but emphasizes that not all things are beneficial or edifying. He argues against being enslaved by any desire, even seemingly harmless ones like appetite, as they detract from our devotion to God.

He then transitions to a powerful argument against sexual immorality (πορνεία), stating that “the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.” He emphasizes the resurrection of Christ as a guarantee of our own future resurrection, connecting the sanctity of our bodies to the promise of eternal life. This connects the physical with the spiritual and eternal.

The most powerful argument is the assertion that our bodies are “members of Christ” and “temples of the Holy Spirit.” To engage in sexual immorality is to defile the very temple of God and to unite Christ with a prostitute, an unthinkable act. St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on John, emphasizes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit: “τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ναὸς ἐσμὲν τοῦ Θεοῦ” (*to Pneuma to Hagion naos esmen tou Theou* – “We are temples of the Holy Spirit”). This highlights the profound responsibility Christians have to treat their bodies with reverence and respect.

Paul concludes by reminding the Corinthians that they were “bought with a price,” the precious blood of Christ. Therefore, they are no longer their own but belong to God, and they should “glorify God in [their] body and in [their] spirit, which are God’s.” This is a call to holistic sanctification, encompassing both our physical and spiritual lives.

Spiritual Application: Recognize your body as a sacred temple of the Holy Spirit. Guard your thoughts, actions, and relationships, ensuring they honor God. Flee from sexual temptation and seek accountability within your Christian community. Remember that your body is not your own, but belongs to God, and you have a responsibility to honor Him with it.

Subtopic Sections 💡

Key reflections and teachings from 1 Corinthians 6:

• Internal Resolution: Prioritize resolving disputes within the Christian community, seeking reconciliation and mediation rather than resorting to secular courts.
• Embrace Suffering: Be willing to endure wrong and be defrauded for the sake of unity and love, reflecting the spirit of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Holistic Transformation: Recognize the transformative power of God’s grace in your life, turning away from sin and pursuing righteousness in all areas.
• Sanctity of the Body: Understand your body as a sacred temple of the Holy Spirit, treating it with reverence and respect.
• Flee Sexual Immorality: Guard your thoughts, actions, and relationships, avoiding any form of sexual sin.
• Glorify God: Live a life that honors God in both your body and your spirit, recognizing that you are bought with a price and belong to Him.

FAQ ❓

Frequently Asked Questions about Lawsuits and Sexual Purity according to 1 Corinthians 6:

• Q: Is it ever permissible for Christians to sue one another?
  A: While Paul discourages it, there may be extreme situations where legal action is unavoidable to protect vulnerable parties from significant harm. However, even then, every effort should be made to seek mediation and reconciliation within the church first.
• Q: How can I practically “flee fornication” in a world saturated with sexual imagery?
  A: Be intentional about guarding your eyes and thoughts. Cultivate healthy friendships and accountability relationships. Fill your mind with scripture and prayer. And be honest with yourself and God about your weaknesses.
• Q: What does it mean to “glorify God in my body”?
  A: It means using your body in ways that honor God, avoiding harmful substances, practicing self-control, and using your physical abilities to serve others. It’s a holistic approach to living a life that reflects God’s glory in every aspect.
• Q: What is the Coptic Orthodox Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, especially in light of 1 Corinthians 6?
  A: The Coptic Orthodox Church affirms the traditional biblical understanding of marriage as between one man and one woman. The Church views homosexual acts as sinful, based on its interpretation of scripture. The Church emphasizes the importance of treating all people with love and respect, while upholding its theological convictions.

Conclusion ✨

1 Corinthians 6 is a powerful reminder of the high calling of Christians to live lives of integrity, reconciliation, and spiritual purity. Paul challenges us to prioritize love and unity above personal gain, to embrace suffering rather than seek worldly vindication, and to recognize our bodies as sacred temples of the Holy Spirit. This chapter is not merely a list of prohibitions but a call to transformative living, reflecting the grace and holiness of God in every aspect of our being. By embracing these principles, we can build stronger Christian communities and witness to the world the transformative power of the Gospel.

Tags

1 Corinthians 6, Lawsuits, Sexual Purity, Fornication, Holy Spirit, Body, Temple, Sanctification, Justification, Corinthians, Coptic Orthodox

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Explore 1 Corinthians 6 with a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Learn about lawsuits, sexual purity, and the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Discover practical applications for modern Christian living, embracing **spiritual purity**.