Paul and the Bema Seat in Corinth (Acts 18)

1 Corinthians Overview

1 Corinthians Overview These devotional videos are intended to help those reading the New Testament for the first time, those reading with doubts, those reading with unanswered questions, those reading along with a friend or family member they are helping, and those simply wanting to grow. To get the most of the experience, try this: * Pray: "God, show me what you have for me in this passage today?" * Read the chapter while paying attention to the thoughts you may be having towards how to apply what you are reading. * Watch the video. * Write down what you discover in your journal or in the comments of the video. During the 1st century, the city of Corinth was a bustling and cosmopolitan center of trade and commerce in the Roman Empire. The seaside city had a diverse population with people from various cultural backgrounds, including Greeks, Romans, Jews, and others. It was a city with a reputation for luxury, immorality, and excess. The Corinthians were exposed to various influences and philosophies, including the prevalent Greek philosophy of wisdom and rhetoric. The cultural religion of the Corinthians who were not Christians was predominantly based on the worship of Greek and Roman gods. The city had numerous temples dedicated to deities like Aphrodite, Apollo, Poseidon, and others. The Corinthians participated in religious festivals, sacrifices, and rituals associated with these gods. They also engaged in practices that were influenced by the prevailing Greco-Roman religious and philosophical traditions. In his letters to the Corinthians, Paul addressed specific issues and challenges that were present in the Corinthian church. These included divisions and factions within the church, moral and sexual immorality, improper conduct during worship, abuses of spiritual gifts, and questions regarding marriage, food offered to idols, and more. Paul sought to address these issues by providing guidance, teaching, and correction based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles of the Christian faith. #newtestament #corinthians #outreach #mission #bless #christianity #faith #spirituality #jesus #earlychurch #discipleship #evangelism #unity This video was filmed in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in 2023.

Paul and the Bema Seat in Corinth (Acts 18)

Paul and the Bema Seat from Acts 18 The apostle Paul suffered a great deal as he traveled the Roman world telling Jews and Gentiles that the Messiah had come inaugurating a new Kingdom through his death and resurrection from the dead! In spite of the many trials, tortures, stonings, and imprisonments, Paul still experienced miraculous intervention from time to time including the story found in Acts where he was forcefully brought before the Bema - the Judgment Seat. Had he been found guilty, he would have been whipped a the pillar where he waited for Gallio’s ruling. In this case, Paul never even had to defend himself - in what appears to be a fulfillment of the vision God gave him about speaking out with courage and confidence. Paul’s community of friends and church family were also a great source of encouragement on his journeys as well. #newtestament #corinthians #ancientcorinth #jesus #faith #spirituality #Christianity #bless #mission #outreach #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #unity This video was filmed in Corinth in 2023.

A Roman Road in Ancient Corinth

A Roman Road in Ancient CorinthWe can actually walk along the same road built by the Romans that Paul walked along.Felt rather beautiful to do so and reminded me of what Paul wrote the Corinthians:“Follow me as I follow Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 11:1 (Modern English Version)#newtestament #corinthians #ancientcorinth #jesus #faith #spirituality #Christianity #bless #mission #outreach #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #unity #earlychurch

Ancient Corinth - A Cosmopolitan City in the New Testament

The Greek city of Corinth was demolished by the Romans in 146 B.C.. All that remained was the Temple to Apollo which the Romans left intact so as not to anger the god. The rest of the city and the remains we find are from when Corinth was rebuilt by the Romans and made the capital of Greece.By the time Paul arrives as recorded in Acts 18, Corinth was a cosmopolitan city with people who had arrived from all over in the 100 years since it had been rebuilt.Paul and the Corinthians had a great deal of tension as the Corinthians were more like Corinthians than Christians. Paul addresses many of their issues in his letters to them - 1 & 2 Corinthians.In spite of their faults, Paul reminds them of their true identity in Christ and guides them to know how to live in the midst of conflict and in a world filled with temptations.#newtestament #corinthians #ancientcorinth #jesus #faith #spirituality #Christianity #bless #mission #outreach #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #unity This video was filmed in Corinth in 2023.

Romans 16 - Are You Wise About What is Good and Innocent About What is Evil?

Romans 16 - Are You Wise About What is Good and Innocent About What is Evil? At the end of his letter, Paul sends greetings and commendations on a long list of people - including several woman who were serving in prominent roles in the early church. He begins by commending Phoebe, a deaconess from the church in Cenchreae, and asks the Roman believers to welcome her and provide any assistance she may need. This recognition of Phoebe’s leadership role indicates the value and respect given to women in positions of authority within the early Christian community. He also mentions Priscilla and Aquila and refers to them as his co-workers. They are described as risk-takers who have worked side by side with Paul, exemplifying the equality and partnership between men and women in ministry. Paul concludes the chapter with a final exhortation to be wise and cautious regarding those who cause divisions and teach false doctrines. He urges the believers to remain faithful to the teachings they have received and to continue in obedience to God. #newtestament #romans #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch