6:1-8 Does this mean that Christians should never sue each other at law?
6:1-8 Does this mean that Christians should never sue each other at law?
Yes, although the point Paul is making here is not related to the relative merits of pagan courts to render just judgements, but to the self-identity of believers from the vantage point of eternity. Believers will rule and reign with Christ in eternity, and will judge the world (CP V2 with Psa 49:14; Dan 7:13-14, 18, 27; Mt 19:28; 2Ti 2:12; Rev 1:5-6; 2:26; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4; 22:4-5).
Believers will also judge angels in the age to come (CP 1Cor 6:3 with Isa 24:21; 2Pe 2:4; Jude 6-7; Rev 20:7-10, 15). In view of the fact that believers have been appointed to judge both humans and angels in the age to come, they should be able to resolve minor matters in this present age among themselves instead of dragging each other to court to settle them (CP Mt 18:15-17).
When believers take each other to court, the witness of the church in the world becomes tarnished, and unbelievers hold the church up to ridicule. The question then arises, who will believe that Christianity is the answer to the world's problems, when Christians cannot even solve their own problems (CP 1Cor 6:4-6).
Believers must settle their differences within the jurisdiction of the church itself, as Mt 18:15-17 teaches, or otherwise, if they are wronged, they must suffer it (CP V7-8 with Pr 20:22; Isa 50:6-8; Lam 3:30; Mt 5:38-40; Ro 12:17; 1Pe 3:8-12). See also comments on Mt 18:15-17 and 1Ti 5:19.