When Paul asks, \u201cDo you not know that we shall judge angels?\u201d (1 Corinthians 6:3), what is he referring to? And how will believers participate in judging angels?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s first look at the passage in context:<\/p>\n
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cDo you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Here Paul is rebuking the Corinthian believers for taking one another to secular courts over trivial disputes. He reminds them that as saints, their destiny is to share in Christ\u2019s rule and judgment\u2014including judgment over the world and over angels.<\/p>\n
How Will the Saints Judge Angels<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/p>\n
This promise is rooted in our union with Christ. Jesus took on human nature\u2014not the nature of angels\u2014and was made \u201cthe firstborn among many brethren\u201d (Romans 8:29). He came as the \u201cSeed of Abraham\u201d (Hebrews 2:16), identifying fully with humanity to redeem us.<\/p>\n
Hebrews 2:16-17 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Christ was given all authority in heaven and on earth:<\/p>\n
Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, \u2018All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
John 5:22 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ephesians 1:20-22 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
\u2026when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named\u2026 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Since Christ will judge all beings\u2014including fallen angels\u2014we who will reign with Him will share in that judgment.<\/p>\n
Which Angels Will Be Judged?<\/strong><\/p>\n
The angels Paul refers to are primarily the fallen angels\u2014those who rebelled with Satan (see Revelation 12:7-9). These include Satan and his demons, who will ultimately be condemned:<\/p>\n
\u00a02 Peter 2:4 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment\u2026<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Jude 1:6 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day\u2026<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
At the final judgment, these rebellious angels will be sentenced to eternal punishment in the lake of fire:<\/p>\n
Matthew 25:41 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cThen He will also say to those on the left hand, \u2018Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Faithful angels will not be condemned; their loyalty will be affirmed in the final judgment as they continue to serve God forever (see Revelation 5:11-12).<\/p>\n
The Saints\u2019 Role in Judgment<\/strong><\/p>\n
Believers who overcome sin and remain faithful will reign with Christ and participate in His judgment:<\/p>\n
Revelation 3:21 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Revelation 20:4 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them\u2026<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Paul\u2019s point is profound: If we will one day share in judging angels and the world, how much more should we be able to resolve ordinary disputes among ourselves today?<\/p>\n
Our Current Position and Future Hope<\/p>\n
For now, in this earthly life, we are still \u201ca little lower than the angels\u201d:<\/p>\n
Hebrews 2:9 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor\u2026<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
But in the age to come, when we are glorified with Christ, we will share in His authority and judgment (see Romans 8:17).<\/p>\n
That is why we are urged:<\/p>\n
\u00a0Revelation 3:19-22 (NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock\u2026 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne\u2026<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Final Thought<\/strong><\/p>\n
Yes, the saints will judge angels. This should fill us with holy awe and motivate us to live faithfully, so that we may share in Christ\u2019s glory and reign. May we overcome, so that we can take our place with Him at His throne when that great day comes.<\/p>\n
Be blessed, and may God give you grace to stand firm until the end. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n