Introduction to the Corinthian Church

“Love Never Fails...”

has a context

why is it there?

what purpose does it serve? what is its function?

what is its function?

why did the Corinthians need to hear it in this particular way?

Info about Corinth

major commercial center on important trade route

vast religious diversity

population of ~500,000

Located on 3.5-mile wide isthmus separating central Greece and the Peloponnesus

Location of competitive games every 2 years

one step lower than Olympic games in Athens

paved roadway was constructed between bodies of water

to avoid dangerous 200-mile journey around the Cape of Malea

saved time and was less risky

various temples and shrines

Dionysius, Neptune, Pan, Artemis, Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Apollo, Ascelpius (healing), Tyche, Venus, possible Hera, Isis and Osiris (Egyptian gods)

Holman Bible Atlas Corinth

The colloquial expression “to Corinthianize” meant to engage in immoral behavior and loose living

According to , who were some of the Corinthian converts?

Aquila (husband), Priscilla (wife)

Jews from Pontus

kicked out of Rome

Priscilla

tentmakers

Titius Justus

Gentile

“worshiper of God”

lived next door to synagogue

Crispus (and entire household)

Ruler of the synagogue

Who were NOT converted?

Jews in Synagogue

What were some of the issues that plagued the Corinthian church?

Divisions

Tolerance of sin

Power-hungry deceivers (wolves in sheep’s clothing)