Who were the Corinthians?
The Corinthians were the inhabitants of Corinth, an ancient and prominent city in southern Greece (Achaia). The name “Corinthians” refers to both the city’s residents and, more specifically in the New Testament, the members of the Christian church established there by the Apostle Paul. The Greek name for the city is Κόρινθος (Korinthos), and its people are referred to as Κορίνθιοι (Korinthioi).
Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan port city known for commerce, culture, and also for its moral laxity. It served as a strategic location for Paul’s missionary work. Paul stayed in Corinth for about 18 months during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-18), and it became one of the key centers of early Christianity. The two New Testament epistles to the Corinthians (1 and 2 Corinthians) are pastoral letters addressing the theological and practical issues of the church there.
Biblical References
- Acts 18:1-18 – Paul’s founding of the Corinthian church
- 1 Corinthians – Paul’s first canonical letter to the Corinthian church
- 2 Corinthians – Paul’s second canonical letter, emphasizing his apostolic ministry and reconciliation
- 2 Corinthians 6 – A critical passage calling the Corinthians to holiness, separation from idolatry, and sincere reconciliation with Paul
What Happened in the Bible?
In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul appeals to the Corinthians not to receive God’s grace in vain (v. 1) and urges them to live holy lives that commend the gospel, even amidst hardship and persecution (vv. 3–10). He reminds them that their relationship with him has always been sincere and open (vv. 11–13), and he pleads with them to open their hearts to him in return.
A key part of this chapter is Paul’s call for the Corinthians to be separate from pagan practices and unholy partnerships:
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, NIV)
Paul warns the believers to avoid spiritual compromise by aligning themselves with unbelief, idolatry, or sin. He appeals to the promise of God’s indwelling presence and the call to be His holy people (vv. 16–18, referencing Old Testament covenant language from Leviticus and Isaiah).
What It Means for Today’s Christians
The Corinthians represent the ongoing challenge of living faithfully for Christ within a corrupt and pluralistic society. Just as the believers in Corinth were surrounded by pressures to conform to the world’s standards, modern Christians are called to be distinct in their values, relationships, and worship.
Paul’s words to the Corinthians in chapter 6 remind Christians today:
- Not to take God’s grace lightly
- To live with integrity, even under persecution
- To seek spiritual purity and avoid binding associations that lead to moral compromise
- To embrace open-hearted fellowship with godly leaders and fellow believers
How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
The Corinthians’ spiritual journey shows the power of the gospel to transform lives, even in the midst of a depraved culture. Paul’s urgent appeal in 2 Corinthians 6 reflects the heart of the gospel: reconciliation with God and with one another.
The call to holiness is rooted in the new identity that believers have through Christ. Because Jesus has made His people righteous through His death and resurrection, they are now called to walk in that righteousness, distinct from the world, as God’s own people.
“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)
This covenantal promise is fulfilled in Christ, who brings people into God’s family and enables them to live holy lives through the Holy Spirit.
Broader Biblical Themes
Holiness and Separation
The theme of being “set apart” is foundational in Scripture. From Israel’s call in the Old Testament to the church’s call in the New, God’s people are always meant to be distinct (Leviticus 20:26; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
Grace and Response
Paul’s warning not to receive God’s grace in vain echoes throughout the Bible. Grace is freely given but calls for a life of obedience (Titus 2:11-14; Romans 6:1-2).
Reconciliation
Paul’s desire for reconciliation with the Corinthians reflects the greater reconciliation offered through Christ between God and humanity (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).
God’s Dwelling Among His People
In 2 Corinthians 6:16, Paul alludes to God dwelling among His people, a promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus (John 1:14) and the indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; Revelation 21:3).
Reflection Questions
- In what ways are you tempted to “receive God’s grace in vain” through complacency or compromise?
- Are there relationships or partnerships in your life that pull you away from wholehearted devotion to Christ?
- How can you live more openly and sincerely with fellow believers, as Paul modeled for the Corinthians?
- What does it look like to pursue holiness in a culture that resists godliness?
- How can the promise that God dwells with His people encourage you to live in purity and boldness today?
The Corinthians’ story challenges and encourages believers to live faithfully for Christ amid opposition, reminding us that God’s grace is powerful enough to sanctify and sustain His people in any culture or generation.