Corinth

The chapter on love · Greece

Biblical
c. 51 AD

Corinth was a rich and lively port city between two seas. Paul stayed here for a year and a half, making tents with the Jewish couple Priscilla and Aquila and building up a church of people from every class. Later he wrote them letters full of advice about quarrels and gifts, including the famous words: 'Love is patient, love is kind.' Today you can walk among the ruins of the ancient city below the steep rock of Acrocorinth, where seven columns of the Temple of Apollo still stand.

Did you know?

The stone platform where Paul stood trial before the governor Gallio can still be seen in the old marketplace.

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An inspiring story

Love letter to a church in a fight

Did you know the most famous wedding text was written to a church in a fight?

The church in Corinth was a mess. People formed rival groups, took each other to court, and at the shared meal the rich ate first while the poor went hungry. Paul wrote them a long, sharp letter. And right in the middle of it: 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.' Why put that there? Because all their gifts and knowledge meant nothing without it. He wasn't describing a romantic feeling, but how to live together when it is hard.

The next time you hear these words at a wedding: they were written for difficult days.

Love is patient, love is kind… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Corinth

Did you know?

Love letter to a church in a fight

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