Do you not know that we will judge angels?This phrase suggests a future role for believers in the eschatological judgment. The concept of judging angels is not extensively detailed in Scripture, but it implies a position of authority and responsibility granted to the saints. This idea aligns with the broader biblical theme of believers sharing in Christ's reign (
Revelation 20:4-6). The notion of judging angels may refer to fallen angels, as suggested by
Jude 1:6, where it speaks of angels who did not keep their positions of authority. The rhetorical question "Do you not know" indicates that this was a teaching Paul expected the Corinthians to understand, possibly from previous instruction or common early Christian teaching. This reflects the high status and dignity bestowed upon believers, contrasting with their current disputes and failures to resolve issues among themselves.
How much more the things of this life!
Paul uses a logical argument from the greater to the lesser. If believers are to judge angels, which is a significant and weighty responsibility, then they should certainly be capable of handling mundane, earthly matters. This phrase emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in the Christian community. It challenges the Corinthians to rise above their petty disputes and to exercise the judgment and wisdom that will be required of them in the future. This also reflects the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized resolving conflicts within the community (Matthew 18:15-17). The phrase underscores the expectation that believers should live out their heavenly calling in practical ways, demonstrating the kingdom values in their daily lives.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance and correction.
2.
The Corinthian ChurchA diverse and often troubled early Christian community in the city of Corinth, known for its moral and doctrinal challenges.
3.
AngelsSpiritual beings created by God, often serving as messengers or agents of His will. In this context, they are subjects of future judgment by believers.
4.
The JudgmentRefers to the eschatological event where believers will participate in judging the world and angels, as part of their glorified state in Christ.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Future RoleBelievers are destined for a significant role in God's kingdom, including judging angels. This should inspire a sense of responsibility and purpose in our current lives.
Perspective on Earthly MattersIf believers are to judge angels, they should be capable of resolving earthly disputes. This calls for wisdom and discernment in handling conflicts within the church.
Identity in ChristOur identity as co-heirs with Christ includes authority and responsibility. Embracing this identity should influence how we live and interact with others.
Spiritual MaturityThe ability to judge rightly is linked to spiritual maturity. Believers are encouraged to grow in their faith and understanding to fulfill their future roles effectively.
Unity and AccountabilityThe church is called to unity and mutual accountability, reflecting the order and justice that will characterize God's kingdom.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:3?
2.How does 1 Corinthians 6:3 inspire us to live with eternal perspective?
3.What does "judge angels" imply about our future responsibilities as believers?
4.How can we prepare now for the roles mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:3?
5.What other scriptures emphasize believers' authority and responsibility in God's kingdom?
6.How should 1 Corinthians 6:3 influence our daily decision-making and conflict resolution?
7.What does 1 Corinthians 6:3 mean by "judging angels"?
8.How does 1 Corinthians 6:3 challenge our understanding of human authority?
9.Why are believers given the role of judging angels in 1 Corinthians 6:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 6?
11.How can we judge angels if they judge us?
12.How can we judge angels if they judge us?
13.Can Christians judge angels?
14.Are humans slightly below angels in status?What Does 1 Corinthians 6:3 Mean
Do you not knowPaul opens with one of his favorite wake-up phrases, a gentle but pointed reminder that basic truths shouldn’t be forgotten (see1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:2; 9:24).
• He expects his readers to recall what Scripture already reveals about their future role.
• When believers overlook these truths, they slip into worldly patterns—precisely what was happening with the Corinthian lawsuits (1 Corinthians 6:1).
that we will judge angels?“Judge” is meant literally: God will involve His redeemed people in the final adjudication of fallen angels.
•2 Peter 2:4 andJude 1:6 speak of rebellious angels “kept in eternal chains for judgment.”
•Revelation 20:4 shows saints seated on thrones and entrusted with judgment alongside Christ.
•Daniel 7:22 pictures “the time came when the saints took possession of the kingdom.”
• Jesus promised authority to the Twelve “to sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28), hinting at a broader sharing of His rule (Romans 8:17;2 Timothy 2:12).
Because Scripture is accurate and literal, this is not metaphor: at Christ’s return, believers will share in His righteous verdict over the demonic realm.
How much morePaul argues from greater to lesser. If we are destined for cosmic courtroom responsibility, it follows—logically and spiritually—that we should handle lesser disputes now.
• Jesus used the same style: “If God so clothes the grass… will He not much more clothe you?” (Matthew 6:30).
•Luke 16:11 reminds us that faithfulness with small matters proves readiness for true riches.
the things of this life!Day-to-day conflicts, business disagreements, relational strains—these are “the things of this life.”
•1 Corinthians 6:1-2 rebukes believers for dragging each other before pagan courts.
•Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a church-based process for settling offenses.
•Galatians 6:1 calls the spiritually mature to restore others gently.
Paul’s logic: if our eternal destiny equips us to render verdicts over angels, surely Spirit-filled believers can mediate property squabbles and personal grievances here and now.
summaryPaul’s single sentence packs a divine promotion and a down-to-earth application: God will one day enlist His saints to judge fallen angels, so they should practice righteous discernment today. Our future authority in Christ is meant to shape present community life, replacing worldly litigation with Spirit-led reconciliation.
(3)
We shall judge angels.--Many conjectures have been made as to the exact significance of the word "angels" here. Some suggest that it must signify bad angels; but this would be an unusual use of the word without any qualifying adjective. It is better, perhaps, to regard the passage as a climax arising out of the Apostle's intense realisation of the unity of Christ and His Church triumphant--a point which seems ever present to the mind of St. Paul when he speaks of the dignity of Christianity. In this sense, redeemed humanity will be superior to, and judges of, the spiritual world. That the words have some such large significance, and are not the expression of a hard and literal fact regarding some members of the angelic host, is, I think, borne out by the subsequent words, where the contrast to "angels" is not "men," but "things" relating to this life.
Verse 3. -
That we shall judge angels. Angels,
i.e. some who belong, or once did belong, to that class. The statement furnishes no data for further speculation. It can hardly mean "evil spirits," for where the word is entirely unqualified it always means good angels; otherwise we might refer it to the "angels which kept not their first estate" (
Jude 1:6). It is impossible, and not straightforward, to explain away the word "angels" as meaning Church officials, etc., or to make the word "judge" mean "involve a condemnation of them by comparison with ourselves." All that we can say is that "God chargeth even his angels with folly, and in his sight the very heavens are not clean" (
Job 4:18); and that "to angels hath he not subjected the world to come" (
Hebrews 2:5). We must take the plain meaning of the apostle's words, whether we can throw any light on his conceptions or not. The only alternative is to suppose that the word means "those who
once were good angels," but
are now fallen spirits. It was so understood by Tertullian, Chrysostom, etc.
How much more; rather, to
say nothing of. The accurate rendering of these verses is a matter of some difficulty, but not to an extent which affects the material sense, or which can be explained without a minute knowledge of Greek.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Do you not knowοἴδατε(oidate)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.we will judgeκρινοῦμεν(krinoumen)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2919:Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.angels?ἀγγέλους(angelous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 32:From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.How much moreμήτιγε(mētige)Adverb
Strong's 3386:Let alone, much less, much more. From meti and ge; not at all then, i.e. Not to say.the things of this life!βιωτικά(biōtika)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 982:Belonging to ordinary life, worldly. From a derivative of bioo; relating to the present existence.
Links
1 Corinthians 6:3 NIV1 Corinthians 6:3 NLT1 Corinthians 6:3 ESV1 Corinthians 6:3 NASB1 Corinthians 6:3 KJV
1 Corinthians 6:3 BibleApps.com1 Corinthians 6:3 Biblia Paralela1 Corinthians 6:3 Chinese Bible1 Corinthians 6:3 French Bible1 Corinthians 6:3 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 6:3 Don't you know that we will judge (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) 
