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in the hands of believers of this Church Obviously, such a judgment does not
age. In fact, angels too will come under carry the legal weight of the state’s law
our authority. Judgment in this context court. What is the next step? Paul appeals
must be seen in an administrative sense for grace on the part of the cheated party
and not in a punitive way. Paul’s argument to be willing to “suffer [themselves] to
is that if such weighty responsibilities are be defrauded” (v7). The present writer
going to be handled by us in the future, has never been tested on this issue, and
why have we no confidence to put issues
for judgment into the hands of our fellow- I suspect that it would take much help
believers in the here and now? In light from God and considerable restraint to
of our future capacity for discernment, comply with the teaching of Scripture
running to the law courts is to our shame; here, but as ever, the obedient soul will
it implies that “there is not a wise man never be the loser.
among [us]” (v5). What of the individual who has been
In contrast to the big issues of the coming defrauding? Paul turns to them in verse
administration, present disputes are “the 8, and brands their dishonesty as “doing
smallest matters.” In contrast to giving wrong,” and issues a solemn warning
orders to mighty spirit creatures, these that such behavior is characteristic of
financial quarrels are just “things that “the unrighteous” who “shall not inherit
pertain to this life” (vv2-3). Why should the kingdom of God” (v9). He seems to
believers have difficulty in resolving
these? indicate that to persist in such conduct
Another very challenging issue is that demonstrates that the offender has never
those who were disputing before the really been saved at all. It is a very solemn
Corinthian judiciary were brothers – conclusion to this section of the letter. Let
“brother goeth to law with brother, and all who are guilty of financial irregularities
that before the unbelievers” (v6). Paul take note.
regards that as being “a fault,” that is, a
defect, a loss (v7). He seems to be saying Postscript
that in publicly airing disputes among It must be understood that the context
unbelievers, there is loss in every way. that we have examined relates to a finan-
There is loss of dignity, loss of credibility cial dispute between two believers in the
for the Christian cause, and loss of any assembly. It should never be used to sanc-
sense of Christian unity. The fact that tion a “cover-up” of a criminal offence on
we are “brothers” should temper our the part of a professing believer. Undoubt-
interactions with each other in every
realm, particularly in the presence of edly, in the interests of righteousness and
unconverted people. justice, such behavior should be reported
to the relevant authorities even though
Defrauded and Defrauding it is bound to have a negative impact on
It could be that the offender in a the testimony. History has shown that the
financial dispute refuses to appear before discovery of a “cover-up” has proved to
an assembly tribunal or refuses to submit be more damaging than the initial mis-
to its findings and make reparation. demeanor!

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