In view of Paul, legal actions against a brother is unacceptable (6:7). Again, we can presume that such legal actions were being done by those few, who had influence in the society.
The Church and the world follow different route (1 John 2:15–17). How then, those who were justified (Rom 3:21–22) look for justice among those, who are not yet justified? (6:1)
Paul seems to play on the word “justice” and “justified”. God’s justice means forgiveness that leads to transformation of sinners. World’s justice is a punitive justice.
Verses 6:2–3. In previous chapter Paul states that he was not in a position ‘judge’ those outside of Christian community (5:12). Now, he says that Christians will judge the world and the even the angels (Wisdom 3:8; Matt 19:28; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6). We do not know what kind of things “pertain to life” Paul had in mind. From 6:7–8, we can only guess that it were probably some financial matters.
Verses 6:4–5. Whether verse 6:4 is a question or a command is not clear. The Greek text indicates it as a question and thus it would be a criticism. On the other hand, some translations see in it as an irony and treat it as a statement. Who would be “the ones despised in the Church”? Perhaps, some of those few of high statues but at the same time considering themselves as not bound by the morality of the Gospel.
Those ‘despised in the Church’ might be considered wise in the eyes of the world. But Paul is looking for some truly wise in the standards of the Gospel.
Verses 6:6–8. See Matt 5:38–42; Rom 12:17–19; 1 Thess 5:15. Paul indicates that better suffer injustice than commit injustice. Again, we can notice the play on the word “injustice”. How can those justified by God can themselves commit injustice? The example of Jesus also comes to mind - the one who suffered such a terrible injustice.
Verses 6:9–11. See 1 Cor 5:11; Gal 5:19–20. Paul reminds them their past and present. They left their past behind, so they should not go back to the same mode of living. Three key words are used to describe the process of their transformation:
This new section begins with a statement about what is lawful (1 Cor 10:23). Eating all kinds of foods is lawful but prostitution is not lawful. There is a huge difference between “belly” and “body - soma”. The reasoning that body is for sex - fornication the way belly is for food does not hold. Belly is for destruction but body is meant for resurrection.
The second question in verse 6:15 perhaps have double meaning: (1) the cases of real prostitution and (2) the cases of idolatry - in a prophetic language worshiping idols was a spiritual prostitution.
Verse 6:16 has a play on the words “body - soma” and “sarx - flesh” based on Gen 2:24. Two “somas” through the sexual act are becoming “one sarx”. But, that was meant to happen in a lawful relationship of marriage.
Verse 6:17 perhaps should be completed “is one spirit [with Him]”. This phrase indicates different level of unity. The unity between husband and wife leads to “one flesh”, the unity between Christ and believer to “one spirit”.
Verses 6:18–19. This stress on fornication must be related to the situation of the city. As it was mentioned in the introduction, the booming sex industry had to affect also the perception of prostitution among its citizens. The Corinthian Christians were not immune to this impact and thus they seemed to treat that sin lightly. Paul tries to make them aware the gravity of this sin in comparison to others.
In 1 Cor 3:16 the Church as a whole community is the temple of the Holy Spirit, in 6:19 it is referred to individual member of the Church. Paul arguments is based on relationship between husband and wife (see 1 Cor 7:4), which applied to believer here.
Verse 6:20 - 1 Peter 1:18–19; 1 Cor 7:23, Phil 1:20. The metaphor of ‘being bought’ goes back to Isaiah 52:3. This awareness of being bought with a price of Christ’s life should make the Corinthians live a holy life.