What does “judging angels” mean?

In I Corinthians 6:3, Paul writes “Do you not know that we are to judge angels?”  This statement causes a lot of “head-scratching.”  Even many “Bible Scholars” can be perplexed by this statement.   Some have even gone so far as to suggest that Paul was engaging in sarcasm in order to prove a point. This blog post explains what this verse really means.

Will the saved really sit in judgement of angels?  As unlikely as this may seem to some, yes, we will.  The Bible tells us so.

Jesus even tells the apostles that those who have followed him will sit on His throne with Him judging the world (Matthew 19:28). He reiterates that fact in his vision to John (Revelation 3:21).  Paul writes to Timothy about the true followers of Christ reigning with God (2 Timothy 2:12).

There is no question that we will judge with Christ.  It is equally clear that it is not just humans but also angels which will appear for judgement.  Peter tells us that there are angels awaiting judgement.  (2 Peter 2:4)   Jude in verse 6 of his brief letter also tell us the same thing.

We should not think that we will not be qualified to judge angels.   Remember that the resurrected Christ was given all rule and authority and power and dominion (Ephesians 1:21).  We are conformed to His image (Romans 8:29).  We bear His image.  (I Corinthians 15:49)   This is no doubt what John means when Jesus reveals thrones with people “given the authority to judge.” (Revelation 20:4)

How will all this happen?  We do not know, because the Bible does not tell us every detail of heaven.  We do know that our bodies will be transformed. (I Corinthians 15:51-53) (Philippians 3:21)

Let’s review what we know. Our bodies will be transformed into an image that conforms to Christ.  Christ will have authority over all things. We will co-judge with Christ. Angels will be subject to judgement.  We now can see why Paul takes it for granted that the Corinthians understand they will sit in judgement of angels.