Location
Overview
Corinth was a prosperous and notoriously immoral Greek city commanding the isthmus between the Aegean and Adriatic. Paul spent eighteen months there, and his two surviving letters to its church are among the richest in the New Testament.
Paul founds the church
Arriving on his second journey, Paul lodged with the tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath (Acts 18:1–4). The Lord assured him in a vision, "I have much people in this city," and he stayed a year and six months (Acts 18:9–11).
Before Gallio
When the Jews brought Paul before the proconsul Gallio, the charge was dismissed (Acts 18:12–16) — an episode that helps date Paul's ministry.
The Corinthian letters
The church Paul planted was gifted but divided and worldly. His letters address its factions, its tolerance of immorality, the Lord's Supper, spiritual gifts, the great "love chapter," and the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 13; 15).
Events Here
Paul arrives in Corinth and stays eighteen months
Paul is brought before the proconsul Gallio
Scripture References
6 versesActs2 verses
1 Corinthians1 verse
1 Corinthians 1:2
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
2 Corinthians2 verses
2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
2 Corinthians 1:23
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
2 Timothy1 verse
2 Timothy 4:20
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Archaeology & History
Roman Corinth, refounded by Julius Caesar in 44 BC, was the capital of the province of Achaia. Excavations have uncovered its forum, shops, and the bema (judgment seat) where Paul likely stood before Gallio, as well as an inscription mentioning the synagogue. A Delphi inscription naming Gallio fixes his proconsulship to around AD 51–52.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Corinth
Where is Corinth today?
Today, Corinth corresponds to Ancient Corinth (ruins), Greece.
What happened at Corinth in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Corinth include paul arrives in corinth and stays eighteen months; paul is brought before the proconsul gallio.
Where is Corinth first mentioned in the Bible?
Corinth is first mentioned in Acts 18:1.
How often is Corinth mentioned in the Bible?
Corinth is mentioned in 6 verses across 4 books: Acts, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, 2 Timothy.
How long did Paul stay in Corinth?
About eighteen months on his second missionary journey, working as a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla while teaching in the city.
Why did Paul write to the Corinthians?
The church he founded was talented but divided and tolerant of immorality. His letters address its factions, worship, spiritual gifts, love, and the resurrection.