What does 1 Corinthians 6:3 mean?

In the previous verse, Paul mentioned a startling idea. Apparently, this is one he had previously taught to the Corinthians. In the end times, the saints—meaning all who are saved, those in Christ—will judge the world—meaning those who are not saved, not in Christ. Now he adds to that an even more startling fact: We Christians will also judge angels.

The Bible is not entirely clear about what form this judgment by the saints over the world and the angels will take. This does not likely mean deciding the ultimate fate of these beings (Matthew 25:41). More likely, it is about taking positions of authority over them (Revelation 2:25–26). Are the angels Paul mentions here fallen angels, demons, who will face Christ's judgment in the end (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6) or the un-fallen angels who still serve God?

Whatever the case, those who are in Christ will share His authority and participate in His judgment somehow. That is our destiny. The details of that role are beside the point Paul makes here: if this is their ultimate future, shouldn't the Corinthians be able to settle minor disputes among themselves in the present? Why ask divisive, unfair secular courts to judge believers, when believers will one day judge the world and angels (1 Corinthians 2:14–15)?

Paul will continue to urge the Corinthians to live up to who they are in Christ instead of living down to the standards of their pagan culture.