Yes. Paul makes this striking statement in 1 Corinthians 6:2–3:
“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? … Do you not know that we shall judge angels?” — 1 Corinthians 6:2–3, NKJV
The important question is what Paul means by “judge angels.” The Greek verb is κρίνω (krinō), which can mean to judge, decide, determine, or pass judgment. Paul does not give a detailed description of the process, so we have to understand it from the wider biblical context.
1. Why will Christians judge angels?
Paul's immediate argument is actually about church members taking disputes before secular courts.
His reasoning is essentially:
If God will entrust His people with the judgment of the world and angels, surely Christians should be capable of resolving relatively small disputes among themselves.
He says:
“If the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?”
— 1 Corinthians 6:2
And then:
“Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?”
— 1 Corinthians 6:3
So Paul's primary purpose isn't to explain angelic judgment. He uses it as an argument from the greater to the lesser.
2. Which angels?
The most common interpretation is that Paul is referring particularly to fallen angels/demons, rather than faithful angels.
The Bible teaches that certain angels sinned against God:
“God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell...”
— 2 Peter 2:4
Jude similarly speaks of:
“the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode”
— Jude 6
And their judgment is associated with the final judgment.
So many interpreters understand “we shall judge angels” to mean that believers will participate in God's final judgment of rebellious spiritual beings.
However, 1 Corinthians 6 itself doesn't explicitly say “fallen angels.” Paul simply says “angels.” So that identification is an interpretation based on the broader biblical testimony.
3. When will this happen?
The most natural connection is the final judgment at Christ's return.
Paul says Christians will:
judge the world → judge angels
This fits the broader New Testament picture:
Christ returns.
The dead are raised.
Final judgment takes place.
God's people share in Christ's reign.
Satan and the rebellious spiritual powers are finally judged.
Jesus told His apostles:
“In the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
— Matthew 19:28
Paul similarly says:
“If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.”
— 2 Timothy 2:12
And Revelation describes God's people reigning with Christ:
“They shall reign with Him a thousand years.”
— Revelation 20:6
So the broader picture is Christ reigning, with His redeemed people participating in His kingdom and judgment.
4. Where will this happen?
The Bible does not give a specific geographic location such as Jerusalem or heaven for the act Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 6:3.
But the ultimate setting is the consummation of God's kingdom, when Christ exercises His final authority over creation.
Revelation gives the larger picture:
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it...”
— Revelation 20:11
And ultimately:
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth...”
— Revelation 21:1
So we shouldn't claim that Scripture tells us exactly where Christians will sit when judging angels. It doesn't.
5. How can humans judge angels?
This is perhaps the most interesting part.
Christians won't judge angels because humans are naturally more powerful or wiser than angels.
Rather, Christians participate in Christ's authority.
Jesus Christ is the supreme Judge:
“For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.”
— John 5:22
And believers are “in Christ.”
Paul says:
“If we endure, We shall also reign with Him.”
— 2 Timothy 2:12
Therefore, the idea is not:
Human beings → independently judge angels.
It is more like:
Christ → exercises judgment → His redeemed people participate in His reign/judgment.
That distinction is important.
6. Why would God give humans this authority?
There is a fascinating biblical theme here.
Humanity was originally created to exercise dominion over God's creation:
“Let them have dominion...”
— Genesis 1:26
But humanity fell.
Christ, the second Adam, restores humanity's intended destiny.
Hebrews 2 quotes Psalm 8:
“You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands.”
— Hebrews 2:7
Hebrews then explains that although we don't currently see everything subjected to humanity, we see Jesus crowned with glory and honor.
So there is a profound biblical trajectory:
Creation → Fall → Christ → Redemption → Resurrection → Reign
And believers ultimately share Christ's reign.
7. Does this mean Christians become angels?
No.
The Bible never teaches that humans become angels after death.
Angels remain angels, and resurrected humans remain human.
Jesus Himself said that resurrected believers:
“neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.”
— Matthew 22:30
Notice He says “like angels,” not “become angels.”
The simplest way to understand 1 Corinthians 6:3
Think of it this way:
Today:
Christians are servants of Christ.
At Christ's return:
Christians are resurrected and glorified.
In the coming kingdom:
Christians reign with Christ.
At final judgment:
Christ exercises judgment, and His redeemed people participate in His authority.
Therefore:
Paul can say, astonishingly:
“We shall judge angels.”
It is ultimately not a statement about human superiority over angels. It is a statement about the extraordinary destiny God has given those who belong to Christ.
And Paul's practical point in 1 Corinthians 6 is almost humorous in comparison: “If you're going to participate in God's future judgment of angels, why can't you settle a disagreement over earthly matters within the church?”
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