Luke tells us about Paul in Corinth in Acts 18. But we can glean more details about Paul’s time in Corinth from letters that he wrote while in Corinth and from letters he would later write to the Corinthians themselves. When we put these all together, we come up with the following:
Paul testified to the Jews in the synagogue that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.”
Then he left and went to the home of Gauis Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue.[1] Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Southern Greece.[2] Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord.[3] Paul baptized Stephanans, Gais and Crispus but then preached and let others baptize.[4] Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized. While a number of the believers were of high standing, most were uneducated and poor.[5]
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” So, Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.[6]
Then Paul received news from the church in Thessalonica. Some think the return of Jesus is soon and have quit working. This causes unrest and some are living off others who work for a living.[7] Paul writes another letter. In it, he reassures them that Jesus will bring justice when He comes. Those who are persecuting the Thessalonians will be judged.[8] He tells them not to be fooled by those who say Jesus has returned. Many things must happen before then.[9] Then he warns them not to live idle lives but to follow the example Paul and Silas gave them. They never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. They worked hard day and night so they would not be a burden to any of the Thessalonians. Even while Paul was there, he gave them this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”[10] Paul then requested prayer for himself and blessed the congregation.[11]
How you conduct yourself spiritual ripples out to others. What does your story tell others?
To hear more about Paul in Corinth, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/mission-trip-two-radio-show/a-heart-for-the-lost
[1] Acts 18:7
[2] 1 Cor. 16:15
[3] Acts 18:8
[4] 1 Cor. 1:14
[5] 1 Cor. 1:26-27
[6] Acts 18:9-11
[7] Mirror reading of 2 Thessalonians
[8] 2 Thess. 1:5-9
[9] 2 Thess. 2:1-12
[10] 2 Thess 3:8-10
[11] 2 Thess. 3:1-3, 18