Idolatry and Corinth

by Hugh DeLong

The city of Corinth was a beehive of religious ideas and practices. This included the traditional Greek gods, the Roman gods and civic religion, the worship of the Emperor and imperial family, and the many differing religious practices brought by travelers and immigrants. As a result, there were many temples, shrines, altars, images, sacrifices, and various religious festivals.

Out of this, Paul would write, “... for us, there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him...” (I Corinthians 8:6). The beginning of the church there began with Paul preaching in the synagogue. Then, being rejected, he turned to preaching to the Gentiles of the city. Thus, “many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized" (Acts 18:8).

We then have this small group of disciples left in the midst of a tremendously idolatrous city. This was a huge obstacle to their faith and morals! They had been part of that scene, but had been washed, sanctified, and justified (I Corinthians 6:11). With that conversion came the teaching of transformation. They no longer could participate in such a lifestyle of immorality and idolatry. Here in chapter 10, Paul states clearly, “Do not be idolaters…,” and “flee from idolatry” (I Corinthians 6:7, 14).

Being a disciple is not just about being forgiven, although it most surely includes that. It involves the demand to be transformed, to have one’s very character changed. We see this in all of the moral admonitions (some call it the ‘moral code’) included in almost every New Testament letter! It will always be said, “that such were some of you,” but it should never be said ‘such are some of you.” Which phrase speaks of your lifestyle?