By Pastor Bob Lawrenz
There is no scriptural reference to a church having been founded in Athens, it proved to be a strong-hold of Satan.
And from that frying pan, into the fire Paul went as Corinth was his next stop. Corinth is located on the Isthmus of Corinth, a narrow spit of land which commanded two harbors, one to the north and the other to the south. It was a shipping and commerce center, wealthy and rich in Hellenist culture. It connected Athens with Greece’s Peloponnesian Peninsula. On the peninsula, we find Olympia, Sparta, and that well known source of olives, the city and region of Kalamata.
But there on the Isthmus, we find the Temple of Aphrodite which housed a thousand Temple Prostitutes, to assist in the “worship” of the goddess. It was said that those that “acted the Corinthian” were given over to much fornication. Where the Athenians worshiped many gods, including Athena (the virgin), the Corinthians focused on Aphrodite.
It reminds me of the scripture “where sin abounds, grace doth much more abound.” Like Las Vegas vs. Los Angeles; both given over to sinful vices, and it’s hard to decide which is worse. Yet in those cities there are vibrant churches full of dedicated believers. God does not leave His children without resources for their faith, regardless of the character of their cities.
In Corinth though, Paul found fellowship with people who had things in common with him. Like Paul, Aquila and Priscilla were a couple who were tentmakers by trade. We can see the benefit of being able to relate to people when sharing Christ with them. Paul found a common thread in Athens by pointing to their shrine to the Unknown God, but little fruit followed. And now, a personal thread through tent-making (no pun intended). We find the Apostle to be able to identify with many because of his background.
Building on the things we have in common is a great way to break the ice, and broach the subject of Jesus with others. Brothers and sisters encourage us, and God blesses our meagre efforts and opens doors that we could not imagine.
Relate to people, and then let them see Christ in you!
