To help us understand the struggles of being a Christian in a non-Christian culture, it is important to take some time to explore the worldview of the individual in Corinth at the time of Paul. Our Mediterranean moments in Corinth reveal that culture there in Paul’s day has striking similarities to the American culture today.
Corinth and Its History
Located on the southwest end of the isthmus that joined the southern part of the Greek peninsula with the mainland to the north, the city was on an elevated plain at the foot of Acrocorinth, a rugged hill reaching 1,886 feet above sea level. Corinth was a maritime city located between two important seaports: the port of Lechaion on the Gulf of Corinth about two miles to the north and the port of Cenchreae on the Saronic Gulf about six miles east of Corinth.
Corinth was an important city long before becoming a Roman colony in 44 BC. In addition to the extant works of early writers, modern archaeology has contributed to knowledge of ancient Corinth.
The discovery of stone implements and pottery indicates population in area during the late Stone Age. Metal tools found from the early Bronze Age (between 3000 and 2000 BC.) reveal occupation during this time. The rising importance of Corinth during the classical period began with the Dorian invasion about 1000 BC.
Days of Corinthian Control
Located at the foot of Acrocorinth and at the southwest end of the isthmus, Corinth was relatively easy to defend. The Corinthians controlled the east-west trade across the isthmus as well as trade between Peloponnesus and the area of Greece to the north. The city experienced rapid growth and prosperity. They were colonizing Siracuse on Sicily and the Island of Corcyra on the eastern shore of the Adriatic. Pottery and bronze from Corinth were exported throughout the Mediterranean world.
For a century (about 350 to 250 BC.) Corinth was the largest and most prosperous city of mainland Greece. Later, as a member of the Achaean League, Corinth clashed with Rome. Finally, the city was destroyed in 146 BC. L. Mummius, the Roman consul, burned the city, killed the men, and sold the women and children into slavery. For a hundred years the city was desolate.
Julius Caesar rebuilt the city in 44 BC. Corinth quickly became an important city in the Roman Empire. An overland ship road across the isthmus connected the ports of Lechaion and Cenchreae. Cargo from large ships was unloaded, transported across the isthmus, and reloaded on other ships. Small ships were moved across on a system of rollers. Ships were able, therefore, to avoid 200 miles of stormy travel around the southern part of the Greek peninsula.
Mediterranean Moments in Corinth and its Church
The Mediterranean Moments in Corinth includes the church’s history and background (Acts 18:1-18 NIV). Afterwards Paul left Corinth and began a lengthy ministry in Ephesus, along with the help of Aquila and Priscilla. During the time that he in Ephesus, a variety of things were occurring in Corinth that prompted the apostle to write to them.
Paul himself says that the letter was written from Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:8, 9, 19), probably during the latter part of his three-year ministry there. It is likely then that the letter was written in the spring of AD54.
The content of the book of 1 Corinthians provides a glimpse at the issues confronting the Christians in Corinth. While some of them were theological and concerned the church experience, many of them addressed reactions and behavior within the culture. Should you eat meat which had first been used as a sacrifice in a pagan worship service? We might find a parallel today with the question, “Can you eat at a restaurant owned by someone from another religion?”
Examining the culture of first-century Corinth uncovers several items that are similar to today’s American culture. Here are a few significant ones.
The Necessity to Multitask
The culture in Corinth demanded a person’s ability to multi-task. The demands of the day, coupled with the speed with which society was changing, kept multiple opportunities on the plate of every individual.
- Manufacturers required to produce, market and sell product.
- Slaves required to do owner’s bidding on a whim.
- Jobs based in politics had multiple tasks, often changing.
- Economy often demanded adaptability.
- In Corinth, Paul used skill as a tent-maker to support ministry.
A Spiritually Diverse Culture
Unlike Jerusalem which before Christ was primarily Jewish, Corinth was a spiritually diverse culture. Multiple religions meant that many people had no idea of actual requirements of another faith. Compare that with a concern today for the “unchurched” individual.
- Mythology was the “old-time religion;” attempts to make it relevant often involved sexuality. Sexual experimentation and promiscuity was the overwhelming cultural norm.
- Judaism was present, but had limited impact on Gentile male population.
- Cities often became associated with certain gods. Income from temple taxes, merchandising, temple maintenance, and tithes and offerings became the major economic driver for the city. It became advantageous for the city to be connected to the most popular gods and goddesses.
A Sexually Permissive Society
When these Mediterranean Moments in Corinth considers this culture, it notices how Corinth tolerated a permissive spirit toward human sexuality. Many behaviors and relationships considered immoral by many Corinthian culture tolerated behaviors and relationships many considered immoral. Corinthians tolerated and even encouraged such behavior. Some idol worship considered the immorality part of the worship experience. Lustful and erotic behavior and circumstances bombarded people at every turn.
- Divorce and remarriage addressed as both pressing and practical issues for Christian marriages and families (1 Corinthians 7:10-11, 1 Corinthians 7:27-28, 1 Corinthians 7:15, 1 Corinthians 7:39).
- An on-going sexual relationship occurred between a man and his step-mother (his father’s wife) in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. Paul says such immorality was not even experienced in the pagan world. The Corinthian attitude was prideful. They probably bragged at how tolerant they were of different lifestyles,
- Rampant sexual immorality dominates the discussion on several occasions (1 Corinthians 6:13, 18).
- Sexual immorality involving adultery guides Paul’s conversation (1 Corinthians 6:9).
- Homosexual expressions of sexuality comprise a major part of Paul’s teaching (1 Corinthians 6:9).
- Paul challenges us to honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20) because we were bought with a price.
Divisions Created by Identity
Like Americans, Corinthians often congregated with people who shared similar interests and an identity. The Greek education system encouraged this as clusters of students would gather and follow their beloved mentor. The upper echelon of philosophers were able to choose the people whom they would like to have as students.
- Paul speaks about the dangers of divisions within the church because of ethnicity.
- Paul speaks about the dangers of divisions within the church because of following a particular teacher, leader or mentor.
A Multi-linguistic Population
While Greek was the main language spoken in Corinth, it was not the only language. Roman soldiers and government officials spoke Latin, the official language of Rome and the Empire. The nature of the travels and commerce of the day provide a multi-linguistic backdrop for the city.
- Native language of Greek spoken throughout; many strands and dialects.
- Latin (Roman language) necessary for government and education.
- Hebrew (Aramaic) spoken in subcultures affected by Judaism.
- Historians estimate as many as 25 different languages (dialects) could be heard in the streets of Corinth.
- Corinth exists as one of four locations that we know in the New Testament where the gift of speaking in tongues flourished.
Political Unresponsiveness
There was always a military and governmental presence from Rome in Corinth. But the government’s ability to act and work could be limited with papers and bureaucracy.
- Rome only cared about “the peace” – controlled, obedient citizens.
- Local governments left in place had no power outside Rome.
Ethical Barrenness
Society in Corinth was void of ethics and ethical behavior. Lawsuits were as common as eating meals and sleeping at night. People were not concerned about doing what was right, but doing what needed to be done to have an advantage over another.
- Greek mythology was a self-centered, power and pleasure driven system of beliefs.
- Power and pleasure were absolute standards, but were defined differently by each group of individuals.
- The pursuit of sexuality defined the economy, spirituality and the family.
Mediterranean Moments in Corinth: Speaking the Truth in Love
Relating to a culture either indifferent, intolerant or ignorant of your faith presents many challenges. Connecting with culture without compromising the truth of the faith can seem like an impossible task. Paul blends an answer to these types of circumstances by reminding us to speak the truth without compromise, but speaking it with compassion and love.