Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Sosthenes is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of the early Christian church. His name appears in two significant passages, both of which provide insight into his role and experiences within the early Christian community.1. Sosthenes in Corinth: Sosthenes first appears in Acts 18:12-17, during the Apostle Paul's ministry in Corinth. The passage describes a tumultuous event where Paul is brought before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, by the Jews who accuse him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio, however, dismisses the case, refusing to judge matters related to Jewish law. In the aftermath, the crowd seizes Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and beats him in front of the tribunal. The text does not specify why Sosthenes was targeted, but it suggests a possible internal conflict among the Jewish community or dissatisfaction with his leadership. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then all of them turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But none of this was of concern to Gallio" (Acts 18:17). 2. Sosthenes as a Christian Brother: Sosthenes is later mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:1, where Paul refers to him as a fellow believer. The verse reads: "Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes" (1 Corinthians 1:1). This reference indicates that Sosthenes had become a Christian and was well-regarded within the church. His inclusion in the salutation of Paul's letter to the Corinthians suggests that he was a person of some standing and influence in the early Christian community. 3. Historical and Theological Significance: The transformation of Sosthenes from a synagogue leader, possibly opposed to Paul's teachings, to a Christian brother highlights the power of the Gospel to change lives and bridge divides. His journey reflects the broader theme of reconciliation and unity in Christ, which is a central message in Paul's letters. Sosthenes' experience also underscores the challenges faced by early Christians, who often encountered opposition and persecution from both Jewish and Gentile communities. 4. Interpretations and Traditions: Some scholars and traditions suggest that the Sosthenes mentioned in Acts and 1 Corinthians may be the same person, while others propose they could be different individuals with the same name. The conservative Christian perspective often views them as the same person, emphasizing the redemptive work of Christ in transforming lives and fostering unity among believers. In summary, Sosthenes serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the early church's mission to spread the message of Christ despite opposition. His account is a reminder of the diverse backgrounds from which early Christians came and the unity they found in their shared faith. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary SosthenesSmith's Bible Dictionary Sosthenes(saviour of his nation) was a Jew at Corinth who was seized and beaten in the presence of Gallio. See (Acts 18:12-17) (A.D. 49.) ATS Bible Dictionary SosthenesThe chief of the synagogue at Corinth, who was beaten by the Gentiles when the Jews carried Paul before Gallio the proconsul, Acts 18:17. He appears to have been the leader of the Jews in this attempt to destroy Paul. Whether he was converted, and is identical with the "Sosthenes our brother" in 1 1 Corinthians 1:1, is unknown. Easton's Bible Dictionary 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 Corinthians 1:1). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SOSTHENESsos'-the-nez (Sosthenes): Chief of the synagogue at Corinth (Acts 18:17). Possibly identical with the co-worker (afterward) of Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:1. Greek 4988. Sosthenes -- "of safe strength," Sosthenes, the name of a ... ... 4987, 4988. Sosthenes. 4989 . "of safe strength," Sosthenes, the name of a ruler of a synagogue and of a Christian. Part of Speech ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4988.htm - 6k Library 1 Cor. I. 3-Jan The Disciples of Our Saviour. The Kingdom Conquering the World Acts xvii. 32-34, xviii. 1 Acts XVIII Argument: the Weapon that C??cilius had Slightly Brandished ... Acts xviii. 18 The Same Hippolytus on the Seventy Apostles. The Power of Harmony in Relation to Prayer. Paul Writes to his Friends in Corinth Thesaurus Sosthenes (2 Occurrences)... The motives of this assault against Sosthenes are not recorded, nor is it mentioned whether it was made by Greeks or Romans. ...SOSTHENES. ... /s/sosthenes.htm - 8k Gallio (3 Occurrences) Sos'thenes (2 Occurrences) Judgment-seat (10 Occurrences) Judge's (8 Occurrences) Leader (183 Occurrences) Warden (8 Occurrences) Tribunal (11 Occurrences) Paid (86 Occurrences) Beating (31 Occurrences) Resources Who was Sosthenes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about 1 Corinthians | GotQuestions.org Who was Crispus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sosthenes (2 Occurrences)Acts 18:17 1 Corinthians 1:1 Subtopics Sosthenes: A Christian With Whom Paul Wrote the First Letter to the Corinthians Sosthenes: Chief Ruler of the Synagogue in Corinth Related Terms |