Bible Location

Corinth

Also known as: Corinth, City in Greece

Corinth was one of the most important cities of Roman Greece and a major center of Paul's missionary work. Situated near the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, the city controlled routes between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese and had access to ports on both sides of the isthmus.

Acts 18 records Paul arriving in Corinth and meeting Aquila and Priscilla. He remained there for an extended period, preaching and helping establish a Christian congregation to which he later addressed the letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians.

Ancient Corinth is securely identified with the extensive archaeological site southwest of the modern city of Corinth.

Biblical Significance

Paul arrived in Corinth during his second missionary journey after preaching in Athens. Acts 18 states that he met Aquila and Priscilla and worked with them because they shared the trade of tentmaking. Paul initially reasoned in the synagogue and later continued his ministry from the house of Titius Justus.

The Lord encouraged Paul in a vision to continue speaking, and Acts records that he remained in Corinth for a year and six months. Among those who believed was Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue.

Jewish opponents eventually brought Paul before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia. Gallio refused to adjudicate what he regarded as an internal religious dispute. The Corinthian church subsequently became the recipient of important Pauline teaching concerning division, morality, marriage, spiritual gifts, love, resurrection, generosity, and Christian worship.

Historical Background

Ancient Corinth occupied a strategic position beside the Isthmus of Corinth. The Greek city became wealthy through commerce but was destroyed by Rome in 146 BC. Julius Caesar refounded it as a Roman colony in 44 BC.

The Roman city grew rapidly and became the capital of the province of Achaia. Its location near the ports of Lechaeum and Cenchreae connected it with trade routes throughout the Mediterranean.

Excavations have revealed the forum, temples, shops, fountains, administrative buildings, roads, and other remains of the Roman city. An inscription referring to Erastus and evidence concerning the office of Gallio contribute important background to the world reflected in the New Testament.

Modern Identification

New Testament Corinth is securely identified with the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth at the foot of Acrocorinth in southern Greece. The modern city of Corinth lies several miles to the northeast near the coast.

The archaeological remains visible today belong to several periods but include extensive evidence from the Roman city in which Paul ministered.

The identification is certain; the principal historical questions concern how particular excavated buildings and inscriptions relate to individual people and events mentioned in the New Testament.

Scripture References

Acts 18:1 2 Timothy 4:20

Related Resources

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Sources

Bible: Acts 18:1-18, Romans 16, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, 2 Timothy 4:20; archaeological excavations of Ancient Corinth by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens; Delphi inscription concerning Gallio; historical studies of Roman Corinth and Achaia