Corinth

I was expecting some kind of big moment. To be in the place where Paul was and actually see where he stood on trial. But to be honest it wasn’t a huge moment.

I kept asking students, “Why come to Corinth?” I wanted to hear what their takeaway was. What made an impact on them. As I listened I was processing it for myself. One student said - Pompeii was like the last piece of a puzzle. It gave a visual to everything she had learned. Whereas Corinth felt like the first piece and now she was excited to learn more.

I think for me, Corinth was another piece of a puzzle or a section. I see more coming together in my own faith and questions and learning I’ve been doing. And it wasn’t the final piece, but another page turned in the book. It was another layer that was pulled back.

I was really struck that Paul was writing a letter to the Romans while he was there. A letter that has been so foundational in so many people’s lives and walks with the Lord. And it was written while he was here. And it was unique that we had just come from Rome. A place Paul hadn’t yet been and was writing this letter ahead of time. And the letter is full of theological truths because Paul hadn’t visited the city and was writing the letter ahead of his visit. So he had to explain all the basics of the faith because he hadn’t explained it in person yet.

Also to stand in the spot where Paul was on trial. And to see what he saw. As he was tied to this pole, looking up at the men judging him and seeing a mountain where they worshipped behind it. It made me feel small standing there.

It was also interesting learning about the ancient Greeks. Our professor is a firehose of information, but when he speaks it inspired me to learn. I want to know more.

How interesting to think about the Spartans and how men will fight for their home and families. Or how a battle is won in the mind first. And how much of a psychological war it is. Or how the Romans would intimidate their enemies with the red feather in their helmets to look like blood coming down the mountain. Or how the formation of the Greeks and Romans was what helped them win the battle. They were sticking together. Fighting for one another, depending on each other.

I also appreciate his thoughts on the law being the plow for the seeds of the gospel. It wets the appetite for people to hear the good news. And people need to know they are sick before they need a doctor. And one way we can do that in evangelizing is to ask good questions. Ask, until they realize they don’t have the answers.