1 Corinthians 6:2

Do ye not know that the Saints shall iudge the world? And if the world shalbe iudged by you, are ye vnworthy to iudge the smallest matters? 1 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)

The book of 1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to address various issues within the Corinthian church, and this verse focuses on the idea of judgment among believers. Paul begins by asking the Corinthians if they are aware that the saints—believers in Christ—will have a role in judging the world. This points to the future judgment when Christ returns and establishes His kingdom on earth, where believers will participate in the judgment process under Christ’s authority (see Revelation 20:4 and Matthew 19:28).

Because believers will share in judging the world, Paul argues they should be capable of handling even the smallest matters among themselves. The implication is clear: if the saints are destined to judge the whole world, they must possess the wisdom, discernment, and spiritual maturity to resolve disputes and disagreements within the Christian community. This calls believers to develop the necessary qualities of discernment and wisdom through the work of the Holy Spirit.

In the surrounding passage (1 Corinthians 6:1‑11), Paul confronts the problem of Christians taking legal disputes before secular courts. He urges the church to resolve conflicts internally rather than turning to the world for judgment, emphasizing the importance of unity and reconciliation among believers. By settling matters within the body of Christ, the church reflects the future reality of believers judging the world.

The central message of 1 Corinthians 6:2, therefore, is a call to spiritual maturity. Believers are reminded of their future role in divine judgment and are exhorted to grow in wisdom, to seek unity, and to handle conflicts with the discernment that the Holy Spirit provides. Such maturity safeguards the testimony of the church and prepares the saints for the day when they will indeed judge the world.