7D. Seven Corinthian Households of Faith

When Paul writes to "the church of God that is in Corinth" (1 Corinthians 1:2), the contemporary reader has no way of knowing that he is addressing the sum total of believers in a number of house churches in the city. Upon closer examination, however, we discover the possibility of seven assemblies. (8)

Aquila and Priscilla's Household

First, there was the home of Aquila and Priscilla (or Prisca; Paul calls her Prisca, a common Latin name, but Luke prefers Priscilla). They were Jewish converts who settled in Corinth when Claudius expelled a large number of Jews from Rome around A.D. 49/50 (Acts 18:2). Paul began his life in Corinth by moving into Aquila and Priscilla's home, where all of them carried on their trade as tent makers. Most likely this was a type of storefront home that doubled as a work/retail outlet and domestic residence. During Paul's eighteen-month stay in Corinth (Acts 18:11), this home must have been a significant place for proclaiming the gospel, teaching and gathering believers in worship. At the end of that time, Aquila and Priscilla moved on to Ephesus with Paul and started a house church there (Acts 18:18-19; see 1 Corinthians 16:19 and 2 Timothy 4:19). Paul's greeting to "Prisca and Aquila" and "the church in their house" (Romans 16:3-5) implies that they returned to Rome, probably after Claudius lifted his edict against the Jews. (8)

Crispus' Household

Second, Luke mentions Titius Justus, a "worshiper of God", whose house was next to the synagogue (Acts 18:7), and Crispus, an official of the synagogue. The conversion and baptism of these individuals, including the "household" of Crispus (on his baptism, see 1 Corinthians 1:14 and "many" other Corinthians (Acts 18:7-11)), indicates that there was a sizeable group of believers during Paul's eighteen-month ministry. No doubt the homes of Titius Justus or Crispus were utilized for church gatherings as well. (8)

Household of Stephanas

Third, Paul refers to the baptism of "the household of Stephanas" (1 Corinthians 1:16) as one of the first converts in Achaia (1 Corinthians 16:15a). The fact that he is commended so highly by Paul for his devoted service to the saints in Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:15b-16) leads one to suppose that he, too, may have hosted and led a house church in the city. (8)

Chloe's People

Fourth, there is also reference to "Chloe's people," a group of individuals who journeyed across the Aegean Sea from Corinth to Ephesus with the disturbing report about factions within the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 1:11-17). Chloe's "people" may be a pseudonym for Chloe's household, which would have included members of her family and employees. Gordon Fee proposes that she "was a wealthy Asian . . . whose business interests caused her agents to travel between Ephesus and Corinth." If true, her economic means and concern for the church suggest that she also may have had a significant role in one of the house churches.(8)

Gaius Hosts Paul

Fifth, Paul names Gaius, one of three individuals he commends in the closing chapter of Romans, which he writes from Corinth. This explicit reference to Gaius (see 1 Corinthians 1:14 on his baptism by Paul) "who is host to me and to the whole church" Romans 16:23) leaves little doubt that he was another benefactor of the church.(8)

Erastus The City Treasurer

Sixth, Paul also sends greetings from Erastus, "the city treasurer," and another brother, Quartus (Romans 16:23). While Erastus may not have been one of Paul's fellow workers, his position gave him a higher social rank and economic status than most people, perhaps enough to make him another patron of a house church.(8)

Deacon Phoebe at Cenchreae

Seventh, Paul commends Phoebe, "a deacon" and "benefactor" or patron of the church at Cenchreae (Romans 16:1-2). From this "we may infer that Phoebe is an independent woman . . . who has some wealth and is also one of the leaders of a Christian group in the harbour town of Cenchreae." Since Cenchreae was only seven miles from Corinth, the church probably was considered part of Corinth.(8)

Seven Households One Church

All this illustrates that "the church of God that is in Corinth" (1 Corinthians 1:2) and the "whole church" mentioned in Romans 16:23 consisted of several local house churches, each one somewhat different in its ethnic, social and economic mix of people. Paul's reference to "the church of God in Corinth" (1 Corinthians 1:2) and to the believers coming together "as a church"(1 Corinthians 11:18), along with the implication that Gaius was hosting the entire church (Romans 16:23), suggest that there were occasions in Corinth when all the believers assembled. This thesis helps to explain some of the fragmentation in Corinth with respect to church leadership, worship, morality and social status. Certain sections of Paul's correspondence to the Corinthians probably were sent to specific house churches that were encountering particular problems. In time, these letters were shared with other churches in the city and read at their worship services before they were collected and edited them into their current format as 1 and 2 Corinthians.(8)

Questions for Discussion

1. If your city or town had a group of Households of Faith as Corinth had house churches, how would you organize them?

2. Where would they meet together?

Bibliography

"You are fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household." Ephesians 2.19

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