The Book of Acts: Lesson 18, "The Transforming Power of God's Word"

As Acts 18 begins, the Apostle Paul is leaving Athens with its intellectual prominence and heading to the city of Corinth, a city known for its sexual promiscuity. These two cities are symbols of the two powerful temptations (intellectual pride and sexual lust) that have worked in every generation throughout history to enslave the hearts of mankind. Corinth is about fifty miles west of Athens and was a major center for commerce and trade. Ancient writers often referred to the beauty of its architectural structures and magnificent natural setting. Unfortunately, Corinth’s outward beauty served to cover up its wicked inward corruption. It was the home of a giant temple for the worship of the goddess of Aphrodite, the goddess of sensual pleasure. The temple housed hundreds of prostitutes who “assisted” the patrons who came there to worship. Corinth was infested with all the common strongholds of evil: Sexual perversions, racial discord, disintegrating family structures, and political tyranny. So, Corinth was very much like some of our cities in America today. It is not a stretch to say that we live in a culture that is very Corinthian-like. 

This is the backdrop as the apostle arrived in this ancient city. Even though the odds were stacked against him, he was able to plant a church that would grow and thrive despite the wickedness that surrounded it. Through our study of these events as recorded in Acts 18, we will discover an important truth: When the ministry of the church becomes the work of the entire body, then the world outside that church will experience the transforming power of the Gospel! 

In His Service,

Pastor Steve