Paul’s Preaching in Athens

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered (32) 1 Corinthians 15:12-13

Response in Athens Very little response Some sneered Some wanted to hear more Dionysius (a member of the Areopagus) and a woman named Damaris responded and others

On to Corinth! After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. (Acts 18:1)

On to Corinth! In Athens, Paul had been “belittled and disrespected.” (Pollard, p. 122)

On to Corinth! Paul arrived in Corinth at the lowest point in his missionary travels.

The City of Corinth 50 miles west of Athens Gateway between Asia & Europe “Master of 2 Harbors” Isthmus of Corinth – 3 ½ Miles

Isthmus Of Corinth 3.5 Miles

Aristophanes ( B.C.) Coined the verb Korinthiadzo meaning “to fornicate”

The City of Corinth 146 B.C. – Destroyed by Romans 44 B.C. – Rebuilt as a Roman Colony by Julius Caesar 1,000 sacred prostitutes of Aphrodite were in pre-Roman Corinth Population – 145,000 in 1 st Century (McRay, p. 164)

Corinth was the “New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas of the ancient world.” (Gordon Fee, quoted by McRay, p. 166)

Isthmian Games Every 2 years Panhellenic Devoted to Poseidon

Aquila & Priscilla Jews From Pontus Coming from Rome Tentmakers

…because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. (18:2) In A.D. 49, the Roman Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from the city of Rome.

…because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. (18:2) Resulted from a controversy among the Jews regarding “Chrestus.” (Suetonius)

Large Jewish community Every Sabbath reasoned in the synagogue…Jews and Greeks.

When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching…. (18:5)

This is the setting for 1 & 2 Thessalonians Written from Corinth in A.D. 50 Perhaps written in reverse order

1 & 2 Thessalonians Paul, Silas, and Timothy – 1:1 Faith, hope and love (refrain) Love of mother/father (2:7, 11-12) Occasioned by quick departure (2:17-3:6)

1 & 2 Thessalonians …do this more and more (4:1). …lead a quiet life…. (4:11-12) 2 nd Coming Issues (2 Thess. 3)

Ministry in Corinth Jesus is Christ! Jews/abusive (6) Next door to the house of Titius Justus/God-fearer

Ministry in Corinth Crispus the synagogue ruler believed in Christ (Vision) Do not be afraid…. (9)

Ministry in Corinth Ministered for 1 ½ years (11)

Gallio Proconsul of Achaia A.D Probably early in his rule

Gallio Court (NIV) is bēma Judgment seat in 2 Cor. 5:10

Gallio Gallio saw it as a Jewish problem. Sosthenes the synagogue ruler was beaten.

Headed Home Accompanied by Aquila & Priscilla to Ephesus Cuts hair in Cenchrea for a vow – still very much a Jew

Headed Home Short time of preaching in synagogue in Ephesus Sailed to Caesarea

When he landed in Caesarea, he went up (to Jerusalem) and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. (18:22)Up Down

Paul’s 3 rd Missionary Journey

Meanwhile… Apollos arrived in Ephesus From Alexandria, Egypt He was a powerful Jewish preacher Knew about Jesus Knew only baptism of John

Meanwhile… Priscilla & Aquila invited him to their home “and explained to him the way of God more adequately.” (18:26) Goes to Corinth (1 Cor. 3:6) Jesus was the Christ (18:5)

Troas Philippi Thessalonica Berea Athens Corinth Paul’s Second Missionary Journey