Vers. 1-8.-0n going to law. Among other evils at Corinth calling for correction, a litigious spirit had begun to show itself, fostered doubtless by the unpleasant friction of parties. Brother went to law with brother before the heathen tribunals, and the Christian name was thereby brought into ill repute. For this the apostle rebukes them, and assigns weighty reasons why they should settle their disputes otherwise. I. TIIE JUDICIAL ~'UNCTION OF THE SAINTS. A.11 judgment has been committed to Christ (John v. 22), and in the exercise of this function his saints are associated with him. Suffering with him here, they shall reign with him hereafter (2 Tim. ii. 12), a kingdom being given to them (Dan. vii. 22; Matt. xix. 28); and when he comes again he will be accompanied by them in glory (Jude 14, 15). In this capacity they shall judge, not only mankind, but also the angels. Whether the apostle has in view good angels or bad, it is not essential to inquire; the point is that the judicial dignity of the saints is so great that they shall sit in judgment even on angelic'beings. How wonder- ful an honour ! Meantime we share in the humiliation of our Lord. The saints nre not exnlted to the judgment-seats of the earth. They walk here as kings in disguise, unknown by a world thnt lets itself be governed by the prince of darkness. Even now they exercise a judging influence, their holy lives condemning the ungodly around them; but the full manifestntion of their judicial function is reserved for the time when Jesus comes in power. Oh, it will be a bright day for this world when holiness is exalted to the throne and all the evil of earth and hell is summoned to its bar, when the moral confusion meantime prevailing shall give place to the fair order of the reign of righteousness! What manner of persons ought they to be who are appointed to judge the universe of men and angels? II. 'l'HE RIGHT SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES BETWEEN CHRISTIANS. 1. Do not take th,1n to a heathen court. To seek redress from unbelievers is an offence ngainst Christian dignity. If the saints are to judge the world, why go to this same world for judgment? 'l'hese pagan magistrates shall yet stand at your bar; why demean yourselves by stand- ing at theirs ? The question comes, how far this rule is binding upon us. A.re we forbidden in every case to go to law with a brother? Looking strictly at the case of a quarrel between two Christians, the spirit of the apostolic rule is certainly of permanent obligation. While our courts of lnw are free from many of the objectionable features of heathen tribunals, they are not so thoroughly Christian as to j,1stify believers in appealing to them, especially when redress may be hnd otherwise. Aud it is as unseemly for brother to sue brother at law as for members of the snmc family. Paul's appeal to Crusnr cannot be cited against his prohibtion here ; for it was not a going to law nt his own instance, but an appeal from one court to nnother where justice was more likely to be done. 2. Refer them to Christian arbitration. If the saints are to judge the world and angels, surely they are capable t>f deciding in matters pcrtaiuing to this life. Refer the quarrel to some wise Christian brother possessing the confidence of both pnrties, and let him judge. Arbitration has much to recommend it, even in matters purely civil; and in the case supposed, it tends to promote brotherly kindness, while securing the ends of equity. This does not wa1rnnt any judicial interference of the Church in matters properly belonging to the state. She is not to be "a judge or a divider" in secular affairs (Luke xii 14). It is in disputes arising between her owu members that she is to adopt this method of friendly settlement. III. THE AVOIDANCE OF IJISPUTES. If quarrels between Christians arise, let them be settled as directed; but why should they arise? " ·why not rather t:tke wrong? wby not rather be defrauded?" 'l'his 1s the si,irit of our Lord's teacbing (Matt. v. 3o-40), THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. (cu. vr. 1-20.
which goes to the root of the cYil. Instead of insisting on your legal pound of flesh, is b~ttcr to suffer yourse!Yes to be wronged. This is the sublime unselfishness of •' t v'hristianity. Unworkable? On this principle Jesus acted (1 Pet. ii. ll3), and Paul (eh. iv. 12); and in pl'<lportion as it pervades society will wrong-doing cease. There is something higher than mere rights, something diviner than legal justice; it is to "endure griefs, suffering wrongfully," in the spirit of him who won his ,triumph by the cross. 'l'hus willing to suffer injustice, while careful to do no wrong, disputes will be aYoided.-B.