Welcome to this continuing series recorded in Greece called “Journeys with Paul.” This is Session #8 and it was recorded at the archaeological site of ancient Corinth. This is another longer teaching (about 18 minutes). But there is so much to see and share here at Corinth!

Paul visited Corinth during his Second Mission Journey. It’s recorded in Acts 18. Leaving Athens, he traveled south to the Peloponnese. Today, we cross the Corinthian Canal, an almost four-mile canal that connects the Aegean and the Adriatic Seas. Once Paul arrived in Corinth (populated by up to 400,000 people, some suggest more), we would have seen the city’s 14 temples. He would have walked the stone pavement (Cardo) into the Agora/Forum. He was a “tent maker,” probably making shade awnings for the many vendors selling here. He spent 1.5 years here.

Paul’s time in Corinth is highlighted by his “testimony” (i.e. “defense”) before Gallio. He was the Proconsul of Achaia. An inscription with his name on it was found at Delphi in the early 1900s. This is what we read in Acts 18:

"So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. 'This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.’ Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, 'If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.' So he drove them off. Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenesthe synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever. Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time.” (Acts 18:11-18).

Paul endured a lot here at Corinth. His letter back to this challenged church display his concern for them. Paul himself followed the advise of his own words as recorded in 2 Corinthians 4: "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

Following his time in Corinth, he sailed from Cenchrea (we will visit this ancient harbor next) to Ephesus and back to Jerusalem. We are encouraged to hang tough for the sake of Christ! In Paul’s words, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthiians 9:24).

Watch for more videos in this new series recorded in Greece about Paul’s missionary journeys. Each session is between 5-15 minutes long and includes a life lesson and a word of encouragement to your own walk of faith with God! This series specifically retraces the footsteps and ministry of the Apostle Paul. Each session is recorded on location. The teacher in this series is Rev. Dr. John DeLancey, the Founder & Director of Biblical Israel Ministries & Tours (BIMT).

Please subscribe to this channel and share this video with your family and friends. If you are interested in going on a biblical, non-touristy trip to Israel, Greece, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, or Italy, visit our web site at www.biblicalisraeltours.com and check out the “Upcoming Tours” page. We welcome you to join us!

Blessings in Christ!