Paul was in Corinth, a city of pagan worshipers.

The gods Apollo, Hermes, and Isis had temples there. There were twenty-six sites of worship. One stood above them all. On a hill overlooking the city was a temple devoted to prostitution, the temple of Venus, fat with enslaved women and boys collecting monies for the city’s beloved goddess. Corinth had such a reputation for immorality that the name Corinthian became synonymous for a pleasure-seeking person.

But God wanted Paul in Corinth. Unlike nearby Athens, where the residents loved discussing philosophy, Paul questioned how safe he would be in Corinth.

Would the residents want to change their ways?

Would they want to hear that their gods were false?

Would they want to give their heart to only one God?

Paul couldn’t see the corners where people were crying out for help or the spirits that were eager for change. He couldn’t see the harvest ready to pick. He heeded the vision God gave him anyway. The humble of Corinth flocked to Paul.

A few Jews came, but most of the Corinthian church were converted pagans, poor people, and slaves eager for God’s love. The harvest was so plentiful that Paul stayed in Corinth a year and a half and then came back twice more.

Sometimes the most unexpected places are full of ready hearts.