1 Corinthians 6:4 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

If then ye have judgments— If therefore you have controversies relating to affairs of this life, do you set them to judge, who are of no esteem in the church;—that is to say, the heathen magistrates? Some critics say that the word δικαστηρια, rendered judgements, like κριτηρια, signifies judicial courts, not causes; and they would render the passage thus: Appoint secular judicatories, if you have in the church this contemptible sort of men, who are so ready to go to law, 1 Corinthians 6:7. But the first interpretation seems preferable. SeeBp. Overall, Camerarius, Knatchbull, Limborch, and Elsner. Mr. Locke observes, that there was among the Jews Concessus triumviralis authenticus, an authentic court of judicature governed by three judges, who had authority, and could hear and determine causes, ex officio,—by virtue of their office: and there was also another Concessus triumviralis, chosen by the parties. The latter court, though not authentic, in the before-mentioned sense, could judge and determine the causes referred to it; and the members of this court were they whom St. Paul calls here τους εξουθενημενους, judices non authenticos; that is, "Referees chosen by the parties." That he does not mean by the original those who are least esteemed, is plain from the next vers