Synagogue ruler in Corinth, co-sender of 1 Corinthians.
Sosthenes
Named in 2 verses across 2 books, first in Acts 18:17.
ΣωσθένηςSosthenes
The name means “savior; strong; powerful.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Sosthenes Written by AI
Sosthenes is mentioned twice in the New Testament, first in Acts 18:17 and later in 1 Corinthians 1:1. In Acts, Sosthenes is identified as the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth during the time when Paul was preaching there. After the proconsul Gallio dismissed the charges brought against Paul by the Jews, the crowd seized Sosthenes and beat him in front of the tribunal. It is not clear whether Sosthenes was targeted because of his position or because he had shown sympathy toward Paul's message. Later, in 1 Corinthians 1:1, a Sosthenes is mentioned as a co-sender of Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, along with Paul himself. It is likely, though not certain, that this is the same Sosthenes who was beaten in Corinth. If so, this would indicate that Sosthenes had become a believer and was now working alongside Paul in the ministry. The inclusion of Sosthenes as a co-sender of 1 Corinthians suggests that he was a respected figure in the early church and had a significant role in the Corinthian congregation. His presence in the letter's opening greeting would have lent added authority and credibility to Paul's message.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
Safe in strength, the chief ruler of the synagogue at Corinth, who was seized and beaten by the mob in the presence of Gallio, the Roman governor, when he refused to proceed against Paul at the instigation of the Jews (Acts 18:12-17). The motives of this assault against Sosthenes are not recorded, nor is it mentioned whether it was made by Greeks or Romans. Some identify him, but without sufficient grounds, with one whom Paul calls “Sosthenes our brother,” a convert to the faith (1 Cor. 1:1).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Acts 18:17
At this, the crowd seized Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But none of this was of concern to Gallio.
- 1 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.