Tag: 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

Will We Judge Angels?

Paul addresses issues within the Corinthian congregation, particularly their practice of suing one another in pagan courts. He argues that Christians are more qualified to adjudicate disputes, referencing scriptural support for their future role as judges. This indicates a vindication for believers who suffer for Christ, emphasizing their authority in the coming Judgment Day.

The congregation that Paul writes to in Corinth had a bunch of problems. Some of their doctrinal understanding was bad. Some of their practices were worse. One practice that Paul took issue with was their bringing lawsuits against each other in pagan civil court. He insists that Christians are more equipped to be just in their judgments than the pagan judicial system. He then says this:

2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (ESV)

When we think of Judgment Day, we rightly think of ourselves being judged. For someone saved by Christ there is no concern of being damned at this point. Yet, there is still a judgment of the works of our lives. Read more about that here:https://afterdeathsite.com/2025/01/07/will-judgment-day-recount-all-our-deeds/. We don’t think of ourselves being on the other side of the bench. Yet Paul speaks of our judging the world as if it is a well-known and obvious fact.

There are other places that speak of humans being placed in a position of being a judge. In Revelation 20:4 it says:

4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed.

Revelation 20:4 (ESV)

This verse sounds much more restrictive in who will be judging than Paul’s quote above. I would add to it the following:

28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19:28 (ESV)

In a world without sin, there is very little need for government and possibly nothing for judgment. If you look at the Greek words translated as “judge”, they are all a form of the Greek “krinos”. This is normally the function of a judge in a court. In Matthew it may have a broader sense of ruling like the Judges did before Saul became king. In either of Revelation 20:4 or Matthew 19:28, it doesn’t seem to apply to everyone. Paul may be saying that humans will have a role in oversight in the New Earth that will cover both Jews who are saved and even angels.

Perhaps what is in view is a Judgment Day activity. Satan and the fallen angels would be judged on that Day. The Twelve Tribes of Israel would be judged. There isn’t a great degree of discernment necessary, because those unconnected to Christ are still in their sin. The judgment is clear. Being put in the position of judge is a sort of vindication for those who suffered with Christ–specifically the Twelve, and the Martyrs, and maybe even you and me.