Sosthenes is a name that appears twice in the New Testament of the Bible, associated with two different individuals. However, some scholars believe that these references could be to the same person. Let’s explore where Sosthenes is mentioned in the Bible and the context of these mentions. 
Sosthenes in Corinth
The first mention of Sosthenes is found in the Book of Acts, in the context of Paul’s missionary work in Corinth. In Acts 18:12-17, Sosthenes is described as the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth.
When Paul was brought before the Roman proconsul Gallio by the Jews of Corinth, they accused Paul of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.
However, Gallio dismissed the case, stating that it was a matter of Jewish law and not of Roman concern.
The crowd then turned on Sosthenes and beat him in front of the tribunal, but Gallio showed no concern for him.
Sosthenes the Co-Author
The second mention of Sosthenes is in the opening verse of Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: “Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes” (1 Corinthians 1:1).
In this context, Sosthenes is referred to as a “brother,” which suggests that he was a fellow Christian and possibly a co-worker of Paul.
Some scholars speculate that this Sosthenes might be the same individual who was the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth, who later converted to Christianity and became a companion of Paul.
Conclusion
While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Sosthenes, his mentions in the New Testament highlight his involvement in the early Christian community in Corinth. Whether the two references to Sosthenes are to the same person or not remains a matter of scholarly debate.
However, his presence in the Bible underscores the diverse backgrounds of the early Christians and the challenges they faced in spreading the message of Christianity.
Pastor David is a great speaker who tells us stories from the Bible in a way that relates to our lives today. He helps us grow in our faith.