The Grecian city of Corinth is about 48 miles west of Athens. It was destroyed by the Romans in 146 B.C. and was rebuilt about a century later. It became under the Romans the seat of government for Southern Greece or Achaia.

Corinth was noted for its wealth and immorality. Sexual sins were widespread, in part, due to a temple located in the city dedicated to Venus (that is, to lust). This temple employed the services of more than one thousand "priestesses," who were nothing more than common prostitutes.

The apostle Paul first visited the city around 52 A.D. during what is called his secondary missionary journey. He stayed in Corinth eighteen months ( Acts 18:1-18) during which time he became acquainted with a married couple named Aquila and Priscilla. Because the couple were tentmakers like Paul he lodged with them and was no doubt instrumental in them becoming Christians. Paul revisited the city in the winter of 57 A.D. and wrote the book of Galatians and the Epistle to the Romans during his stay.

Scriptural References:  Acts 18;  Romans;  1Corinthians;  2Corinthians;  Galatians