The
Ecclesia at Corinth
(Exhortation - November 2000)
This first-century ecclesia struggled with deep, fundamental differences in culture and life-style among its members, varying all the way from the regulated ritual of Judaism to the unbridled excesses of paganism. The apostle Paul was faced with a mighty challenge in the establishment and maintenance of a lightstand with such a diverse population. Yet even though the ecclesia at Corinth was at an infant stage of development and had diverse nationalities and conflicting cultures which were so vastly different from ours, there is a fundamental similarity to our situation. Then, as now, the ecclesia was populated by mortal men and women challenged by sin. In the eyes of our Lord sin is sin, whether it be the inner lust of covetousness or a deliberate act of theft.
The city of Corinth
Corinth was an ancient and infamous city. It was a major trading center and a gateway
from Rome to the East. Because of Corinth’s commercial importance, it is no surprise
that there was a Jewish presence there with a population significant enough to warrant the
establishment of a synagogue.
As the capital city of the province of Achaia and as a Roman colony, it was composed of a variety of people and nationalities, many of whom were transients. There were army veterans, sailors, merchants and slaves, all intent upon self gratification to the extent that Corinth was proverbially known for its debauchery being a hot-bed of vice.
One would think this was not a fertile environment in which to plant the seed of the kingdom, yet Paul, having confidence in the drawing power of the word of God, deliberately chose to go there. He was aware that if he succeeded in establishing a community of believers in Corinth, the Gospel message could be carried across the Roman world aboard the caravans and ships that traveled to and from this very significant region.
Priscilla and Aquila
With this background in mind let us consider Acts 18 and draw exhortation from some of
the characters and situations therein. "After these things Paul departed from
Athens, and came to Corinth; and found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately
come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla…and because he was of the same craft, he
abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers" (Acts
18:1-3).
The incomparable Priscilla and Aquila came to share the love of the Truth with the apostle. They generously opened their home to Paul, thereby providing a supportive spiritual haven in a city awash with ungodliness. This lovely couple became key workers in ecclesial activity both in Corinth and beyond. Insight into their courage, tact and discretion is seen from the way they redirected the bold and eloquent Apollos to the full understanding of the gospel in Ephesus: "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:24,25).
A composite picture of their worth is found in the letter to the Romans: "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house" (Rom. 16:3-5). The apostle Paul singled out the husband and wife because they had proved to be an invaluable source of help and support to himself and also to the Gentiles, who had been on the receiving end of their good work. The record of Aquila and Priscilla provides us with a wonderful example of teamwork, sacrifice, and hospitality in the service of the Lord. All are qualities that we would do well to emulate.
Justus and Crispus
Other characters who demonstrate courage in this chapter are Justus and Crispus.
Justus, by allowing Paul to use his strategically placed house as a preaching venue, was a
catalyst in the conversion of Crispus, the leader of the synagogue next door. Both of
these believers laid themselves open to the wrath of the Jews whom Paul had so recently
denounced and then declared his intention of turning to the Gentiles. The situation was
volatile, having the potential for trouble, but reassurance came to Paul: "Then
spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not
thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much
people in this city" (Act 18:9).
Truly this is an amazing example of the compassion of God that in the unenlightened and ungodly city of Corinth there existed the potential for conversion by the transforming power of the word.
Confirming that the process of preaching came to fruition, we read: "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" (I Cor. 6:9-11). Not only does this passage instruct us about the magnitude of the mercy of God, it also speaks volumes about the apostle Paul. He was an ex-Pharisee trained to avoid any association with such people; yet, as the officially-appointed messenger of the Son of God, he immersed himself into the surroundings at Corinth and energetically extended the message to all who would listen.
The conversion of Sosthenes
Sadly, the majority of Paul’s compatriots closed their hearts to the Truth and
accused him of wrongdoing before the deputy governor. The trumped up charges were thrown
out by Gallio and the frustrated Jews released their fury by beating Sosthenes (the
successor to Crispus) the new leader of the synagogue (Acts 18:17).
Exactly what prompted the beating is unclear, but perhaps Sosthenes was the instigator of the failed strategy against Paul. Whatever the reason, Paul may have used the occasion to act out the parable of the Good Samaritan, resulting in the conversion of the beaten man. Paul wrote in a subsequent letter: "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God and Sosthenes our brother" (I Cor. 1:1). Is it coincidence that the last recorded event in Acts 18 regarding Paul’s activities in Corinth and the first verse in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians contain a reference to a person named Sosthenes? The name Sosthenes is comprised of two root words meaning to save and strengthen. If Paul and his followers nursed the injured Sosthenes back to health, the outcome was predictable; influenced by this act of kindness he turned to Christ.
Saved and strengthened
Drawing our thoughts to a close, we can reflect that although the first-century ecclesias
were at a completely different stage of development, the lessons we learn from them are
still relevant. We see sincerity and humility demonstrated in the willingness of Paul to
preach the Gospel to a people mired in an environment of sin and idolatry. Paul would be
greatly encouraged by the work, love, sacrifice and hospitality of Priscilla and Aquila
and rejoice in the faith of Justin and Crispus. But as we focus on the emblems before us,
the most powerful lesson is the knowledge that no sin is too great to be covered by the
forgiveness of God, providing the sinner is of a contrite spirit. As in the case of
Sosthenes, the Lord will graciously reach out to save and strengthen through the one who
was not only beaten, but also crucified for our sake.
Joel Thorp