Paul spent a year and a half in Corinth.  We leave the boat and head there before reaching Athens and our hotel where we will stay the rest of our nights in Greece.

Read Acts 18:1-16, 1,2, Corinthians

In addition to the architectural marvels we will see today, Corinth is also home to the people for whom Paul wrote two of his longer letters.  In 1 Corinthians Paul encourages them to remain focused on Christ and to not be swayed by variant teachings or following one teacher over another who purport to have superior wisdom and knowledge over another.  In his second letter he continues to talk about unity in faith, but also addressing issues related to being at one with people unlike ourselves as Corinth was a cosmopolitan trading center on an isthmus, popular for portaging goods from one side of the peninsula to the other, saving many days of sailing.

In Athens Paul had his famous speech concerning the “Unknown God” at the Areopagus (Mars Hill).  This is near the Acropolis and the other ancient ruins of this ageless city.  We will also see the Old Olympic Stadium and other points of interest of modern Greece.

We pray:

Dear God, we know we are no alone in this world, nor unique in our belonging to you.  As we travel through Corinth and Athens, let us be aware of the many peoples, nations, tribes and races who walked these streets, heard the Gospel, and became united in Christ.  Let us do likewise upon our return home, that we too would welcome all who seek Jesus and make our churches places where all people can know your grace, mercy and love.  In the name of our brother, Lord and Savior, Jesus.  Amen.