What was the religious background of Corinth?
Corinth was steeped in paganism, idolatry, and the worship of Greek gods and goddesses. It was a bustling commercial city between two seaports, bringing widespread cultural exchange. The congregation Paul addressed had recently converted out of that grossly immoral pagan lifestyle, making their situation unique among the churches Paul experienced.
Les teaches that Corinth's background is crucial for understanding Paul's letters. It was a unique situation and congregation, unlike anything else Paul experienced. Located between two seaports, Corinth was a bustling commercial hub where people, money, wealth, and culture flowed from all over the known world. The main thing to understand is that the city was steeped in paganism—pagan idolatry and the worship of Greek gods and goddesses—along with gross immorality. Les notes that while America is getting bad, it has not yet reached Corinth's level, though it may be sliding that way. Paul wrote to Corinthian believers who had just recently been converted out of that lifestyle, which sets the stage for his warnings in 1 Corinthians 6:9 about the unrighteous not inheriting the kingdom of God.