From today’s reading...
So Paul stayed there preaching the word of God among them for eighteen months.” Acts 18:11
Paul preached for roughly 33 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, so 18 months in Corinth represented 5% of his total preaching time.
Heck, we have celebrities impregnating two and three baby mommas in an 18-month period today, so we’re talking about a meaningful time investment by Paul.
Why did Corinth warrant so much of Paul’s time?
- Strategic Location: Corinth was strategically located on the isthmus that connected mainland Greece with the Peloponnese peninsula. This made it a vital commercial and transportation hub, as it provided a shortcut for ships traveling between the Adriatic Sea and the Aegean Sea. The city’s location facilitated trade and brought a diverse mix of people and cultures together.
- Cosmopolitan Environment: Corinth was a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population. It attracted merchants, sailors, travelers, and people from various backgrounds, including Greeks, Romans, Jews, and other cultures. This diverse environment created a vibrant and dynamic society.
- Wealth and Prosperity: Corinth was known for its wealth and prosperity. It was a center of trade, renowned for its commerce, manufacturing, and agricultural activities. The city’s wealth contributed to its influence and cultural significance in the region.
- Challenges and Moral Issues: Corinth was also known for its moral challenges and cultural influences that posed particular difficulties for early Christians. The city had a reputation for its immorality, including temple prostitution and pagan practices. Paul addresses some of these challenges in his writings, providing guidance and exhortations to the Corinthian Christians.
God knows how to lead and inspire you to bring about His will, so listen and do as He says, which is the only way to...
Stay the course.
Keep the faith.
Endure.
Market like you mean it. Now go sell something.
