Corinth
Archaeologists have worked in Corinth for decades and uncovered many finds that fascinate the student of Scripture. In excavating the city center (above) an inscription was found mentioning a city official, Erastus, who is mentioned in Rom. 16:23 and other N.T. passages!
An inscription referring to the makellon, or meat market, over which such controversy developed in 1st-century Corinth. The meat sold there was from animals that had been offered to pagan idols. Some believers were horrified at the association with idolatry; others argued that idols had no real existence, so there was nothing wrong with trading at meat markets.
Large empty brass vases were placed at the back of the stage in the theater at Corinth. These, the “sounding brass” of 1 Cor. 13:1 (KJV), not as the NIV has it, a “clanging cymbal.” Paul’s point is that one who ministers without love may reach others—but his or her own life will be empty: “I gain nothing.”
Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991. Print.
Comments