Paul's Journey In Corinth

Why is Archaeological Evidence Important?

 

Archaeological evidence is important in a very similar way as Non-Biblical Sources are important. They are both looking at ancient historical items that help us corroborate what the bible says. Although they could be categorized in the same topic, we felt they deserved seperate categories since when people think of archaelology they tend to think of digging for precious clay or rock inscriptions or large physical items; that attest to past events we've passed down over generations. Usually people aren't thinking of documents outside of the bible that attest to Jesus, his followers, and the Bible. 

 

We should find archaelogical evidence important because it can show us how different historical people in the bible, did in fact exist, among other things. It attests to the historical reliabilty of everything that is in the bible. This is especially useful for people when people deny the events in the bible as real historical events. 

 

Pauls Journey in Corinth

 

The Bible has often been accused by some scholars in biblical studies throughout time as being innacurate and unreliable. However, time and time again, we have seen more evidence come over time proving that the Bible is in fact trustworthy. This is why we think it is an important practice in biblical studies to not adhere to ungodly views of the bible or christianity, and instead wait and see, and have faith that God will eventually reveal the evidence we were needing to find in a certain area that caused us doubts. 

 

Why Paul did in fact visit Corinth:

 

In the bible in the book of Romans, written from Corinth, the Apostle Paul mentions the city treasurer Erastus.

 

During the excavations of Corinth in 1929, a pavement was found inscribed: ERASTVS PRO:AED S:P: STRAVIT (“Erastus, curator of public buildings, laid this pavement at his own expense”). According to the Archaeologist Bruce, the pavement likely existed in the first century and the donor was likely the same person mentioned by Paul.

 

Also found in Corinth is a fragmentary inscription which is believed to say “synagogue of the Hebrews”. This would have hung over the doorway of the synagogue Paul debated in (Acts 18:4-7).

 

Another Corinthian inscription mentions the city “meat market” which Paul refers to in 1^st Corinthians 10:25

 

Paul's accuracy confirms he did in fact visit Corinth

 

 

Source: Josh McDowell