Topic(s): Bible Authority, Christian Life

Todd Clippard

Of course, all Christians should be forgiving and teach others. Those in positions of leadership or those who are "high profile" must be especially careful as to how they conduct themselves.

Some use 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 as a proof text to show Christians should never sue in a court of law. Such is a misapplication of the text.

First - Paul here speaks of Christians going to court against other Christians (v 1).

Second - Paul speaks of "the smallest of matters" (v 2). That is, trivial matters which should be able to be settled among brethren without involving unbelievers.

Third, (and this is a point often overlooked) - the matter should first be brought to the brethren for their judgment (v 1). Whatever decision is rendered by the brethren should be considered as binding upon both parties. If it is a matter pertaining to the law or a situation of considerable seriousness, the brethren may make a suggestion to take things to a civil court where the matter can be heard by those who know and understand the law.

To say that a Christian can never go to court is to allow heathen, false brethren, or erring brethren to plunder the church. This is neither wise nor biblical. Paul used the law, and his rights as a Roman citizen, to his advantage during his work (Acts 16:35-40; 22:22-30; 25:1-12).