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
Sosthenessavior; strong; powerful
Smith'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" in11 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 in1 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
...Library
1 Cor. I. 3-Jan
... Paul, called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, andSosthenes
our brother, unto the Church of God which is at Corinth, even them that...
The Disciples of Our Saviour.
... to the Galatians. [202] 2. They say thatSosthenes also, who wrote to
the Corinthians with Paul, was one of them. [203] This is...
The Kingdom Conquering the World
... I Corinthians: Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, * * * andSosthenes,
our brother.Sosthenes was ruler of a Jewish synagogue (Acts 18:17)....
Acts xvii. 32-34, xviii. 1
... (c) "Then all the Jews [909] tookSosthenes the ruler of the synagogue, and beat
him... Why did he (Sosthenes), though he also had authority, not beat (them)?...
Acts XVIII
... (17) "Then all the Greeks seizedSosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and
beat him before the judgment-seat; and Gallio cared for none of these things...
Argument: the Weapon that C??cilius had Slightly Brandished...
... Of those magicians, the first both in eloquence and in deed,Sosthenes, [1803] not
only describes the true God with fitting majesty, but the angels that are...
Acts xviii. 18
... But then there ought to be also a sacrifice (ch. xxi.26), which was not the case
here. [925] ""Having yet tarried:" after the beating ofSosthenes....
The Same Hippolytus on the Seventy Apostles.
... Apollo, bishop of C??sarea. 51. Cephas. [2035]. 52.Sosthenes, bishop of Colophonia.
53. Tychicus, bishop of Colophonia. 54. Epaphroditus, bishop of Andriace....
The Power of Harmony in Relation to Prayer.
... But two made a symphony, Paul andSosthenes, when writing the first Epistle to the
Corinthians; [6047] and after this Paul and Timothy when sending the second...
Paul Writes to his Friends in Corinth
... CORINTH. Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
and brotherSosthenes to the church of God at 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.
...Gallio (3 Occurrences)
... Even the subsequent treatment meted out toSosthenes, the chief ruler of
the synagogue, was to him a matter of indifference. The...
Sos'thenes (2 Occurrences)
...Sosthenes, Sos'thenes. Sostratus .... 1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, a called apostle
of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, andSosthenes the brother, (See RSV)....
Judgment-seat (10 Occurrences)
... (ASV DBY WBS). Acts 18:17 And they all laid hold onSosthenes, the ruler
of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment-seat....
Judge's (8 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:17 And they all made an attack onSosthenes, the ruler of the Synagogue,
and gave him blows before the judge's seat; but Gallio gave no attention to...
Leader (183 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Acts 18:17 Then all the Greeks laid hold onSosthenes, the ruler
of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat....
Warden (8 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 18:17 Then the people all set uponSosthenes, the Warden of
the synagogue, and beat him severely in front of the court....
Tribunal (11 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:17 and all the Greeks having takenSosthenes, the chief man of the synagogue,
were beating 'him' before the tribunal, and not even for these things was...
Paid (86 Occurrences)
... So Paul paid them a visit; (WEY). Acts 18:17 Then all the Greeks laid hold onSosthenes,
the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat....
Beating (31 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:17 and all the Greeks having takenSosthenes, the chief man of the synagogue,
were beating 'him' before the tribunal, and not even for these things was...
Resources
Who was Sosthenes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about 1 Corinthians | GotQuestions.orgWho was Crispus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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