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Paul the Apostle in Corinth

Era: Roman Greece

Period: Ancient Greece

Type: Cultural Milestones

Year: c. 51

Date: c. 50–52 AD

Location: Corinth

Key Figures: Paul the Apostle, Gallio

Outcome:

Key Facts

Founded the church of Corinth

Paul the Apostle in Corinth: What Happened

Around 50 to 52 AD, Paul the Apostle spent about eighteen months in Corinth, the bustling capital of the Roman province of Achaea, during his second missionary journey. According to the Book of Acts, he stayed with a Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, who had recently been expelled from Rome, and worked with them making tents. He preached first in the synagogue and later in the house of a man named Titius Justus next door, and he founded a Christian community made up of both Jews and non-Jews. When some opponents brought Paul before the Roman governor Gallio, he refused to hear the case, considering it a religious dispute. An inscription found at Delphi mentions Gallio's term as governor, which gives one of the most secure dates in Paul's life. After Paul left, he continued to guide the Corinthian church through letters. Two of them, First and Second Corinthians, are included in the New Testament. First Corinthians contains the famous passage on love, often read at weddings, that begins, love is patient, love is kind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did Paul stay in Corinth?

Paul stayed in Corinth for about eighteen months, around 50 to 52 AD, during his second missionary journey, founding one of the most important early Christian communities.

Who did Paul live with in Corinth?

Paul stayed with Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple who had recently been expelled from Rome. He worked with them as a tentmaker.

What happened when Paul was brought before Gallio?

When opponents accused Paul before the Roman governor Gallio, he refused to hear the case, considering it a religious dispute rather than a crime.

What are First and Second Corinthians?

First and Second Corinthians are letters Paul wrote to guide the church he founded in Corinth. They are part of the New Testament.

Why is the Gallio inscription important?

An inscription found at Delphi mentions Gallio's term as governor of Achaea. It provides one of the most secure dates for Paul's life and travels.

More Events from Roman Greece

Gothic Invasions of Greece

Raids that ended centuries of peace in Roman Greece

Herulian Sack of Athens

Athens sacked and shrank behind new walls

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