“Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,”
and Sosthenes our brother
Sosthenes was a secretary-scribe (amanuensis) for Paul. He was not a fellow apostle with Paul. He may have been the synagogue ruler flogged by the Jews (Acts 18:12-17). He was bitterly opposed to Paul and tried to throw him in jail (Ac 18:16-17). Sosthenes later became a Christian, yet he was the leader who arranged Paul before the judgment seat of the Roman ruler Gallio. Paul probably led him to the Lord before Paul left Corinth. Sosthenes left Corinth as a companion to Paul. There is hope for those who hate Christians.
Paul characterizes Sosthenes as “our brother.” The Greek says, “the brother.” The definite article “the” indicates that Sosthenes was well-known. He became a Christian after leading the synagogue at Corinth. The former opponent of Paul is now in the family of God and a servant of God. The apostle had many co-workers for the Lord.
PRINCIPLE:
God turns adversity into a blessing.
APPLICATION:
God uses adversity and dissonance to prepare us for ministry. Paul characterizes Sosthenes as “our brother.” The former opponent of Paul is now in the family of God. When Paul came to Corinth the first time, Sosthenes tried to throw him in jail. He was a bitter enemy of Paul. Yet, Paul led him to the Lord, contrary to all expectations. Sosthenes even went on a mission trip with Paul. God can turn adversity into a blessing.
