Topical Encyclopedia Background and ContextThe Apostle Paul's visits to Corinth are significant events in the New Testament, reflecting his missionary zeal and the challenges of early Christian ministry. Corinth, a major city in ancient Greece, was known for its wealth, commerce, and moral decadence. It was a strategic location for spreading the Gospel due to its diverse population and cultural influence. First Visit to Corinth Paul's first visit to Corinth is recorded in Acts 18:1-18. After leaving Athens, Paul arrived in Corinth and stayed there for a year and a half, establishing a strong Christian community. During this time, he worked as a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla, fellow Jews who had recently come from Italy. This partnership not only provided for Paul's needs but also facilitated the spread of the Gospel. Paul's ministry in Corinth was marked by both opposition and success. He initially preached in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks. However, when some of the Jews opposed him, Paul declared, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles" (Acts 18:6). He then moved his ministry to the house of Titius Justus, a God-fearing Gentile, which was next door to the synagogue. This strategic move led to the conversion of many Corinthians, including Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household (Acts 18:8). The Lord encouraged Paul in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city" (Acts 18:9-10). This divine assurance emboldened Paul to continue his work despite the challenges. Second Visit to Corinth Paul's second visit to Corinth is less explicitly detailed in the New Testament but is inferred from his letters to the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians 12:14 and 13:1, Paul mentions his intention to visit Corinth a third time, indicating a previous second visit. This visit is often referred to as the "painful visit" due to the issues and conflicts within the Corinthian church that Paul had to address. The church in Corinth faced numerous problems, including divisions, immorality, and doctrinal confusion. Paul's letters to the Corinthians reflect his deep concern for their spiritual well-being and his efforts to correct their errors. His second visit likely involved confronting these issues directly, which may have contributed to the tension and pain associated with it. Significance of Paul's Visits Paul's visits to Corinth were pivotal in the establishment and growth of the early Christian church in a major urban center. His work in Corinth highlights the challenges of ministering in a culturally diverse and morally complex environment. Despite opposition, Paul's perseverance and reliance on God's guidance led to the flourishing of the Corinthian church. The letters Paul wrote to the Corinthians, particularly 1 and 2 Corinthians, provide valuable insights into the early church's struggles and the apostolic authority Paul exercised. These epistles continue to offer theological and practical guidance to Christians today, addressing issues such as unity, spiritual gifts, love, and the resurrection. Paul's ministry in Corinth exemplifies the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of steadfastness in the face of adversity. His experiences in Corinth serve as a testament to the enduring impact of faithful Christian witness in challenging contexts. Nave's Topical Index Acts 18:1-3After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; Nave's Topical Index Library Chronology of the Apostolic Age. The Epistles of Paul The Acts of the Apostles. The Acts of the Apostles Paul's Missionary Labors. The First Epistle to Timothy The Children's Bible The First Epistle to the Corinthians The Epistles of Paul. Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel Resources Are the writings of the Apostle Paul inspired (see 1 Corinthians 7:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from what the Bible says about Paul and Timothy? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the account of Paul and Barnabas? | GotQuestions.org Paul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Paul Escapes to Derbe, where he Preaches the Gospel, and Returns to Lystra Paul is Bitten by a Viper and Miraculously Unharmed Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Paul is Confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea Paul is Confined in the Fortress Paul is Delayed in Melita for Three Months Paul is Encouraged by a Vision from God, Promising Him That he Will Give Testimony in Rome Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard Paul is Persecuted by Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is Stoned Paul is Persecuted by the Jews Paul is Received by the Brethren Gladly Paul is Released by the Civil Authorities on the Grounds of his Being a Roman Citizen Paul is Returned to the Fortress Paul is Taken to Rome in the Custody of Julius, a Centurion, and a Detachment of Soldiers Paul is Welcomed at the Household of Lydia Paul: Appeals to be Heard by Caesar Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: Caught up to the Third Heaven Paul: Chooses Silas As his Companion Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer Paul: Contends With the Judaizers Against Their Circumcision "Theology" Paul: Conveys the Contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) With Greeks Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Educated at Jerusalem in the School of Gamaliel Paul: Enters the Temple Courtyard Paul: Escapes by Being Let Down from the Wall in a Basket; Goes to Jerusalem Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night Paul: from the Tribe of Benjamin, Paul: Goes Through Phrygia and Galatia Paul: Goes to Troas, where he Has a Vision of a Man Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia Paul: Has "A Thorn in the Flesh" Paul: Has Barnabas As his Companion Paul: Heals the Ruler's Father and Others Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Paul: His Independence of Character Paul: His Message Received Gladly by the Gentiles Paul: His Resolute Determination to Go to Jerusalem Despite Repeated Warnings Paul: His Trial Before Governor Felix Paul: His Trial Before Governor Festus Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Jewish Leaders Conspire Against his Life Paul: John (Mark), a Companion of, Departs for Jerusalem Paul: Kind Treatment by the Inhabitants of the Island Paul: Lives in his own Rented House for Two Years, Preaching and Teaching Paul: Makes his Second Tour of the Congregations Paul: Meets some Brethren Who Accompany Him to Rome from Appii Forum Paul: Persecuted by Jews, Drawn Before the Deputy, Charged With Wicked Lewdness Paul: Persecuted by the Jews Who Come from Thessalonica Paul: Persecuted, Beaten, and Cast Into Prison With Silas Paul: Persecutes the Christians; Present At, and Gives Consent To, the Stoning of Stephen Paul: Preaches in Damascus for the First Time Paul: Predicts Misfortune to the Ship; his Counsel not Heeded, and the Voyage Resumes Paul: Proceeds to Macedonia After Strengthening the Congregations in That Region Paul: Reasons in the Synagogue Every Sabbath Paul: Received by the Disciples in Jerusalem Paul: Refers the Question of Circumcision to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Paul: Returns to Antioch, Accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, With Letters to the Gentiles Paul: Returns With the Apostle John to Antioch (Of Syria) Paul: Re-Visits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he Lived Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Paul: Sends Timothy and Erastus Into Macedonia, But he Himself Remains in Asia for a Period of Time Paul: Sent to Damascus With Letters for the Arrest and Return to Jerusalem of Christians Paul: Sergius Paulus, Governor of the Country, is a Convert of Paul: Summons the Local Jewish Leadership Paul: Teaches at Antioch (In Syria) for One Year Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes With the Makers of Idols Paul: This Plan is Thwarted by his Nephew Paul: Transferred to a Ship of Alexandria Paul: Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium Paul: Visits Coos, Rhodes, and Patara; Boards a Ship Bound for Tyre Paul: Visits Ephesus, where he Leaves Aquila and Priscilla Paul: Visits Iconium, and Preaches to the Jews and Non-Jews Paul: Visits Lystra; Circumcises Timothy Paul: Visits Much of the Island of Cyprus Paul: Visits Perga in Pamphylia Paul: Visits Samothracia and Neapolis Paul: Waits at Tyre for Seven Days Select Readings: Paul and Silas in Prison Select Readings: Paul in Front of Agrippa Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix Select Readings: Paul on Mars' Hill Related Terms |
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