Overview
Sosthenes first appears as the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth during Paul's ministry there. When Paul's preaching caused conflict with Jewish opposition, Sosthenes was beaten by the crowd in front of the Roman proconsul Gallio. Despite this traumatic beginning, Sosthenes later became a believer and joined Paul in ministry, co-authoring Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians.
Key Scriptures
"Then all the Greeks seized Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the proconsul" (Acts 18:17, NIV). "Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes" (1 Corinthians 1:1, ESV).
Application
Sosthenes's transformation from opposing Christ to serving alongside Paul demonstrates God's power to radically change hearts and redirect lives toward His purposes.