Paul’s admonition is not wholly unique. In other religious societies, such as the cult of Dionysus in Attica, members were forbidden from taking each other to court. From the first century AD, the Jews were also taught not to seek justice in pagan courts.
Yet Paul undergirds his admonition in a way that is distinctively Christian. His argument moves from the greater to the lesser. If believers are going to judge the world, how can they be unable to try trivial cases
?
Elsewhere in Scripture we are also taught to expect that believers will take part in God’s judgment over the world (see Psalm 149:6–9; Daniel 7:27; Revelation 2:26–27). Again, as in 1 Corinthians 3:21–23, Paul is probably applying a doctrine that he had taught in person to the Corinthian church. He sees no need to explain this doctrine here.
Scripture does not give many details regarding how believers will participate in God’s judgment and rule. Some texts (Daniel 7:27; Revelation 2:26–27) emphasize believers’ ongoing rule over the new heavens and earth. Other texts (Psalm 149:6–9; 1 Corinthians 6:2) emphasize their involvement in judging and meting out punishments, on the great day of judgment.
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?