“One night the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’” – Acts 18:9-10
These people in the city of Corinth hadn’t even heard about Jesus yet. These people were living sinful lives. These people had done bad things.
And yet … Jesus knew who belonged to him!
This is mind-blowing to me!
This truth is reiterated in 2 Timothy 2:19: “God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his.’”
Out of all the people, across all the centuries of time, out of all the nations, and in all of the cities of the world … God knows those who are his.
Here you can see the ancient city of Corinth today. It doesn’t look like much. Just a pile of ruins.
In the center of the photo, where that lone tree stands, is a large wide-open area. This wide-open area used to be the ancient Agora (aka: shopping center) of the city of Corinth. Directly behind the lone tree in the center of the photo, you can see a stone structure – this used to be the Bema Seat, the ancient “courthouse” of Corinth where legal matters were settled.
The people who lived here in the homes which are now just a pile of ruins … God knew who among them belonged to him. Even if they had not yet repented and turned to him. This was why he had sent Paul to the city. These people needed to hear the good news of salvation!
The people coming and going to and from the Agora … the shoppers, the vendors, the suppliers … God knew who among them would turn to him.
The city leaders and politicians who discussed legal matters around the Bema Seat … God knew who among them would believe and follow Jesus.
Across the back edge of the ruins of Corinth, you can see some beautiful large green trees. This is where the South Stoa of Corinth once stood.
The South Stoa was one of the largest porticoed buildings in ancient Greece. Its outer facade had 71 Doric columns [topped with plain square capitals], and it had a second internal colonnade of 34 Ionic columns [topped with scroll-like capitals]. The back part of the Stoa held 33 two-room apartments, which served as shops and restaurants.
Here is an example to give you an idea.
Out of all the hustle and bustle coming and going to and from the South Stoa … God knew which people were his. The people visiting the Roman Bath in the South Stoa … God knew those who were his. Even the ones who had not yet heard about Jesus Christ. Even the ones who had not yet repented of their sin and turned from worshiping idols to worship the one true God – Jesus Christ. This is why God had sent Paul here.
The ancient city of Corinth had a magnificent theater, with a view looking out towards the blue waters of the Gulf of Corinth.
There was likewise a smaller Odeion (here is an example to give you an idea).
Those who enjoyed performances in the magnificent theater, looking out over the blue waters of the Gulf of Corinth, as evening breezes wafted ashore … God knew who among them were his.
Those who enjoyed debates and speeches in the Odeion … God knew who among them were his.
In addition to the Temple of Aphrodite (high atop the Acrocorinth), the city of Corinth also had the Temple of Octavia and the Temple of Apollo.
Here you can see the ruins of the Temple of Apollo.
The Temple of Apollo originally had 6 Doric columns at each end, and 15 Doric columns along each side. There was an interior porch at each end, and a long central area which was divided into two sections. Two rows of columns ran the length of the interior of the building.
Those who visited the temples to worship … God knew who among them were his. God had sent Paul to the city of Corinth to preach the good news of Jesus Christ, because people were going to turn from worshiping idols. People were going to repent of their sin. God knew those who were his.
Here you can see the Lechaion Way … what used to be the major thoroughfare of the city of Corinth. Those who arrived via the Lechaion Way, passing under the arch and into the Agora … God knew those who were his.
Jesus himself stated:
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.
“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son [Jesus Christ] and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” – John 6:37-40
The good news of Jesus Christ is for everyone! All people … across all centuries of time … out of all the nations … and in all the cities of the world … Jesus offers salvation to everyone!
But the choice is up to us as to whether or not we will believe in Jesus and accept the free gift of salvation he offers.
God is reaching out today with this good news so that everyone will hear … just like God was reaching out to the people of Corinth by sending Paul so that they could hear the good news.
The city of Corinth lies in ruins today.
But the good news of Jesus Christ is still reaching out to you today!
