Can you imagine trying to spread the gospel in the city of Corinth in New Testament times? How challenging and even discouraging would that have been? Think about how that wicked city must have been so prone to reject the message of salvation, which called for repenting from the vileness that was that capital city.
This strategically located city along major trade routes made it a thriving center for travel and commerce in the known world at that time. This highly-trafficked port city was widely known for its wealth and splendor. However, it was perhaps better known for its idolatry, immorality and abundant vices. As a “melting pot” population of folks from “everywhere,” all the evils from “everywhere” found their way to this notoriously perverted city. To be called a “Corinthian” in those days (whether one was from Corinth or not) was often a term of derision, to accuse one of sexually immoral, lascivious and reckless living.
Now, imagine again trying to take the gospel to this environment and how those dwelling there must have responded to the “stories” (in their minds) about a Jewish man named “Jesus.” Do you suppose that there may have been attempts to quiet the Christians and even run them off?
When you think about it in this context, there’s really not a tremendous difference between ancient Corinth and modern America. Read through the first half of this article again with that thought in mind. Preaching about faith, repentance, immersion, commitment, sacrifice would not have been popular then, and it doesn’t seem popular today. The message of the gospel of Jesus is being rejected and even targeted for elimination today. So, how should we respond? With the same confidence that characterized Paul in Corinth!
In these difficult circumstances, the Lord spoke to Paul in Acts 18:9-10 (imagine Him saying this to you today): “Do not be afraid” (are we afraid sometimes?). “But speak” (is that difficult?). “And do not keep silent” (is that easy?). “For I am with you” (are there any better words we could hear?). Was it possible that Paul was on the verge of “giving up”? Was he, perhaps, ready to pack it in and say, “Oh, well, enough is enough. I tried, but they’re just not interested”? If he was, these words of assurance from the Lord kept him going. The very next verse says, “And he continued…teaching the word of God among them” (18:11).
Brethren, no matter how much the good news may be rejected and targeted today, may we find assurance in the Lord’s promise to us and continue teaching the word of God!