Bible Dictionary
Sosthenes
Sosthenes was a ruler of the synagogue at Corinth who was beaten before Gallio after opposition to Paul. He may be the same believer whom Paul later calls “our brother.”
Definition
Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the synagogue at Corinth. He was seized and beaten in the presence of Gallio after the case against Paul was dismissed or refused.
Biblical Usage
Acts records the assault on Sosthenes in Corinth. He may be the same man whom Paul later calls “Sosthenes our brother” in the opening of First Corinthians, though the identification is uncertain.
Historical Background
The sources do not state whether the assault was carried out by Greeks or Romans, nor do they give the motives for the attack.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
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 Cor. 1:1).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(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.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sos'-the-nez (Sosthenes): Chief of the synagogue at Corinth (Ac 18:17). Possibly identical with the co-worker (afterward) of Paul mentioned in 1Co 1:1.</p>