There was little apparent acceptance of Jesus as the promised Messiah and Savior from sin by either the Jews or Gentiles in Athens (Acts 17:17,23,30-34). The Apostle Paul departed for Corinth, located about 50 miles to the west. He stayed in Corinth a year and a half (18:11). During that time, he supported himself through his profession of tent making, working with Aquila and Priscilla. They were a Jewish couple who had fled Rome because of Emperor Claudius' edict forcing all Jews to leave (18:1-3). A church had been established in their home (I Corinthians 16:19).
Corinth was the capital of the Roman province of Achaia and was one of the most prominent cities in Greece, with a population estimated at more than 400,000. From there Paul concluded his second missionary journey by making a brief stop in Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19).
On his third missionary journey, Paul returned to Ephesus (I Corinthians 16:8), where he received disturbing reports concerning problems in the Corinthian church (1:11; 5:1; 7:1; 11:18). It was divided into four factions (1:12) and some members were openly living immoral lives (5:1-13). Responding out of great concern and love, Paul was directed by the Holy Spirit to explain how everything we do should be to the glory of God (10:31). A primary purpose of I Corinthians was to clarify the importance of the Lord's Supper. . . . For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew (proclaim) the Lord's death till He come (11:20,26). Paul gave the most detailed explanation of the Lord's Supper recorded in Scripture (11:23-34). The nine ministry gifts of the Holy Spirit are set forth in chapters 12 — 14; and, in chapter 13, the Holy Spirit led Paul to record the incomparable definition of love. The purpose and need for the resurrection of Christ follows in chapter 15.
A primary purpose of II Corinthians was to commend the disciplinary action taken by the local church body against the sins of its members. In chapters 8-9, Paul expounded upon the principles and purposes of giving and urged participation in a financial collection for the saints in Jerusalem (I Corinthians 16:1-3). During the years that followed Paul's departure, there seems to have been a clique that developed within the church which was antagonistic toward his leadership and questioned his credentials (II Corinthians chapters 10 — 12). A major theme of this book (letter) is the ministry of reconciliation. Paul appealed to them to be reconciled to God (II Corinthians 5:14-21).
Bible Book List