Bible Geography · Achaia, Greece · c. 900 BC – Present
Corinth
Description
Corinth occupied a strategic location on the narrow isthmus connecting mainland Greece to the Peloponnese, controlling two seaports on either side. It was one of the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities of the Roman Empire, known for its commerce, culture, and moral permissiveness.
Significance
Corinth represents the challenge of living out the gospel in a morally complex urban environment. Paul's letters to the Corinthians address divisions, immorality, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection, making them timeless guides for church life. Paul spent 18 months there on his second missionary journey.
Key Events
Paul's 18-month ministry in Corinth (Acts 18); Paul meeting Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2); Paul before the proconsul Gallio (Acts 18:12–17); Paul writing 1 and 2 Corinthians addressing the church's struggles.
Modern Context
Ancient Corinth's ruins lie near the modern village of Ancient Corinth in Greece, about 78 kilometers west of Athens. The Temple of Apollo and the bema (judgment seat) where Paul stood before Gallio are still visible. A small modern city of Corinth exists nearby.