Sosthenes Σωσθένης
Synagogue ruler in Corinth, co-sender of 1 Corinthians.
Who is Sosthenes in the Bible?
Sosthenes was a synagogue ruler in Corinth who appears twice in the New Testament. In Acts 18:17, he is mentioned as being beaten by a mob after the proconsul Gallio dismissed charges against Paul, though it remains unclear whether he was targeted because of his position or because he sympathized with Paul's message. Later, in 1 Corinthians 1:1, a Sosthenes is listed as a co-sender of Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, which likely indicates that this same man had converted to Christianity and become a trusted associate of Paul. His transformation from a synagogue official to a Christian co-worker demonstrates the power of the gospel to change hearts, even among those who initially opposed Paul's message.
Biography
Sosthenes is mentioned twice in the New Testament, first in Act.18.17 and later in 1Co.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 1Co.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.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentActs 1 verse
- 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."
Study Acts →
1 Corinthians 1 verse
- 1 Corinthians 1:1
"Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,"
Study 1 Corinthians →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Σωσθένης |