From Athens to Corinth in an hour.

Three things we saw today similar to what Paul saw daily for a year and a half nearly 2000 years ago.

1. The Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo (some would argue it was the Temple of Juno) in Corinth. Seven of the original 38 columns or pillars are still standing today.

Paul on pillars. “but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭LSB‬‬

Pillars come and go. This one, Christs church, millions strong endure the wear and tear of time. This letter to Timothy, written from Ephesus (that’s tomorrow) points to the God of heaven as enduring in truth.

2. The Agora

The Agora or so called the Marketplace in the English tongue, it was for sure a market and at a place, however the Greek word αγορά means crowded. Think agoraphobia. Fear of crowded places. It was there Paul felt compelled to preach the gospel with/to a diversity of people mingling around together. Sometimes we shrink back from talking in one on ones. 

Paul a master illustrator

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 3:10-11

Saw a whole lot of foundation stones but very few walls still standing! Paul focused on the only one that matters most. The One that lasts forever.

3. The Bema

Paul had regular run in’s with the law. In two, very different ways. One, with the Jewish faithful in the Law of Moses. The other with civil authorities, particularly Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus, proconsul, brother of  a Roman senator and historian named Seneca who was tutor of Nero. They’re all connected somehow, somewhere in someway. 

Luke, Paul’s traveling companion and very close friend, “But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, (read bema here) saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you; but if there are questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I am not willing to be a judge of these matters.” And he drove them away from the judgment seat.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭18‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ ‭LSB‬‬

For a year and a half Paul had not escape the notice of Gallio a polytheist. This guy saw right through the religious objections of Paul’s antagonist’s. He saw them for what they were, religionist hypocrites. Emperor Nero, not so much like Gallio. Paul stuck his neck out in appeal to Nero to get to Rome. Only under this vile ruler, he lost his head. Politics is always a risky business. So is following Jesus. Yet to vastly different eternal ends. 

Well that was three things in common that we experienced with Paul. The same,  yet different. But I thought I’d add one more modern sight, something that Paul never saw while he was living in Corinth. 

4 – The Corinthian Canal

The isthmus of Corinth is at its narrowest roughly 5 miles south of the modern city. Though not for shipping vessels, pleasure craft and smaller businesses use this gorge to travel from the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea as a shortcut. 

Construction of the 4 mile, 80 foot wide canal began under Roman Emperor Nero in 67 AD, using Jewish prisoners captured during the first Jewish–Roman War. However, the project ceased shortly after his death. Its construction recommenced in 1881 and was finished in 1893. 

The journey around the Peloponnesus, southwest of Corinth/Athens is somewhat risky. Not to mention a bunge jumpers delight. Yes, they do from the bridge. Talk about from one risky thing to another.

Well anyway, off to Ephesus.