1 Corinthians 6:4

Judgments. Or, “tribunals.” Accordingly, the first clause of this verse could read: “If you find it necessary to hold tribunals [or courts] for the settlement of secular matters related to your private lives.”

Set. Gr. kathizo, “to cause to sit,” “to appoint.” The sentence may be either interrogative, “do ye set?” or imperative, as in the KJV. In the light of the context, especially v. 5, the translation “do ye set?” seems preferable. There seems to be a trace of sarcasm in Paul’s question, which may be paraphrased thus: “Will you choose as judges heathen, unbelieving magistrates, who have no respect for the true God, and who are treated with contempt by the church?” It is not likely that the church would be instructed to select the least capable members to serve as judges of everyday difficulties that arise between brethren. In v. 5 the apostle implies that the church should seek out a “wise man” to handle such situations. In order to appreciate the advice found in v. 4, it is necessary to know something about the heathen law courts of Paul’s day. It is not to be expected that men outside the pale of Christianity would consistently dispense justice fairly. The courts of the heathen were often exceedingly corrupt. Many of the judges were abandoned characters, who lived dissolute lives, and who were easily bribed. Surely Christians could not place any confidence in their judgment. The church at Corinth was reproved for taking their cases to such men.