Please read this passage before reading this homily.
Paul was in Corinth in the years 50-52. We know this because archaeologist have found an inscription with Gallio’s name on it which is dated by outside, non-biblical, sources. Archaeology and the Bible are not at odds with each other, but they have different purposes.
We know from outside sources that the emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome in the year 49 and that Gallio was mentioned in a letter from the emperor at that time. The expulsion of the Jews brought Priscilla and Aquila to Corinth where they met Paul and worked with him. These incidents give us a certain date for Paul’s activity in Corinth.
This passage also shows us that politics haven’t changed over the years. Gallio rightly recused himself from judging Jewish law, but to prove a point, whatever that point was, he steadfastly refused to interfere in a violent assault upon the synagogue official.
Priscilla and Aquila who had come to Corinth from Rome picked stakes and moved again, this time with Paul to Ephesus.
Al this prompts a question, “Where is God in all this?” Displacing the Jewish population from Roma moved two Christian missionaries to Corinth. A rise in persecution moved Paul with Priscilla and Aquila to Ephesus. Paul eventually went to Syria to Antioch, his home base. Cenchreae was a port town for Corinth.
There are twists and turns, but the gospel is spreading throughout the world. Luke gives us the story of Paul. We have no record of the work of other apostles. India, however, claims Thomas for its evangelization. Andrew is prominent in Achaia and Scythia. What Paul did more likely than not, the other apostles did and brought the gospel to all parts of the world.
We are part of that tradition. Our task is to keep the gospel moving from our homes into our worlds and beyond.