History The place of Corinth has a reputation for corruption in every way. The Apostle Paul wrote extensive and detailed letters to correct the church he founded. Corinth was a small territory and capital of Greece, by the gulf of Saron and the upper part of the isthmus and bay of Corinth. Corinth had rich (but uneven) plains, and the soil of an indifferent quality. It was a place of trade and was a bridge place of two seas; therefore, making trade and imports heavy within the area. The Greeks and Romans attempted to cut through the bridge land so that vessels could travel straight through; however, they were unsuccessful, but “traces still remain of these attempts.” Nevertheless, during its time of commerce, transporting vessels across the
…show more content…
Corinth was the major distributor of Italy, Sicily, and the western nations; making it, “the mart of Asia and Europe.” Because of its heavy trade and importance for the region, it was surrounded by ships to protect its market, thus obtaining a respect for its strong Navy. It was famous for its buildings and “ships of a new and improved form.” Like all large trade cities, Corinth became a city of large population with people from around the globe; therefore, it was full of worldly religions and was extremely pluralistic and accepting. Robert Barnes provides a nice summary of the place of Corinth: From these causes, the city of Corinth became eminent among all ancient cities for wealth, and luxury, and dissipation. It was the mart of the …show more content…
This god or goddess was believed to protect them. Corinth was devoted and dedicated to the goddess of love—Aphrodite—hence, the problems Paul brings up in his letters with sexual immorality. The people made a shrine placing her above all other gods; “and it was enjoined by law, that 1,000 beautiful females should officiate as courtesans, or public prostitutes, before the altar of the goddess of love.” By this passion, or religion, Corinth became “the most frivolous, dissipated, corrupt, and ultimately the most effeminate and feeble portion of Greece.” After the Romans started Hellenizing the world, Greece was split into two—Macedonia and Achaia. Corinth, as stated above, was the capital (Paul visited during this time). However, today, not much remains, but, especially within the New Testament, its history does. For the section of second Corinthians that will be discussed, noticing these facts and behaviors are important. It should bring to light how powerful God’s grace is, by demonstrating “the power of the gospel in overcoming the strongest and most polluted passions of our nature…” and by giving Paul the “occasion to write this Epistle,” so that we may learn by
Corinth was the major distributor of Italy, Sicily, and the western nations; making it, “the mart of Asia and Europe.” Because of its heavy trade and importance for the region, it was surrounded by ships to protect its market, thus obtaining a respect for its strong Navy. It was famous for its buildings and “ships of a new and improved form.” Like all large trade cities, Corinth became a city of large population with people from around the globe; therefore, it was full of worldly religions and was extremely pluralistic and accepting. Robert Barnes provides a nice summary of the place of Corinth: From these causes, the city of Corinth became eminent among all ancient cities for wealth, and luxury, and dissipation. It was the mart of the …show more content…
This god or goddess was believed to protect them. Corinth was devoted and dedicated to the goddess of love—Aphrodite—hence, the problems Paul brings up in his letters with sexual immorality. The people made a shrine placing her above all other gods; “and it was enjoined by law, that 1,000 beautiful females should officiate as courtesans, or public prostitutes, before the altar of the goddess of love.” By this passion, or religion, Corinth became “the most frivolous, dissipated, corrupt, and ultimately the most effeminate and feeble portion of Greece.” After the Romans started Hellenizing the world, Greece was split into two—Macedonia and Achaia. Corinth, as stated above, was the capital (Paul visited during this time). However, today, not much remains, but, especially within the New Testament, its history does. For the section of second Corinthians that will be discussed, noticing these facts and behaviors are important. It should bring to light how powerful God’s grace is, by demonstrating “the power of the gospel in overcoming the strongest and most polluted passions of our nature…” and by giving Paul the “occasion to write this Epistle,” so that we may learn by