Acts 18:1-11
Paul heads to Corinth from Athens. Corinth was at a key location in the geography of Greece. Greece is nearly cut in half by water. Corinth is on the piece of land that links north and south regions of the country. Corinth is also a wicked city. Paul is basically jumping out of the boiling pot and into the frying pan as he goes from Athens to Corinth.
Paul lived and worked in Corinth and realized several of his greatest triumphs there. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he listed all sorts of wickedness. Such as some of you were will inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The sinfulness of Corinth was the opportunity of Christ. Paul is letting the Corinthians know that they are being harsh on the new converts given their own backgrounds before putting on Christ in baptism.
The Worst City of All
Paul devoted himself to preaching Christ in Corinth. Paul accepted no money for his preaching and teaching the word as a Rabbi in Jewish society. He was a ‘vocational’ preacher in Corinth. A rabbi received no money for preaching and teaching the word. They had to have a trade. Paul made a living and preached the word. He gained tremendous respect because of his insistence that he make preaching his loving gift. Paul was described as a tent-maker. Paul was always proud that he didn’t have to depend on anyone (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8; 2 Corinthians 11:9).
Timothy and Silas came to Corinth to bring Paul a gift that made it possible for him to devote all of his time to preaching the word and put aside his trade. This was likely support from the Philippians whom loved Paul and were supportive in the work of the Lord. Problems were rising in the city of Corinth against his teaching of the gospel of Christ. He would soon have to go before the governing bodies again and defend his faith and his preaching of the word of God.
Then, when Paul needed it, the Lord spoke to him that he would not be harmed. The Lord was with him to allow him to speak boldly once again. In the presence of God, Paul found his courage and strength. He was assured that God was with him to confront and endure whatever the devil had in store for him in his ministry preaching Christ.
