SOSTHENES . 1 . Ruler of the synagogue at Corinth, whom ‘they all’ (RV [Note: Revised Version.] ) laid hold on and beat when Gallio dismissed the case against St. Paul ( Acts 18:17 ). He probably succeeded Crispus as ruler when the latter became a Christian (v. 3), and the hostility of the rabble to the Jews showed itself when they were worsted in the courts. 2 . ‘The brother’ associated with St. Paul in addressing the Corinthians ( 1 Corinthians 1:1 ), and therefore probably a native of Corinth who had special relations with the Church there. If both references are to the same man, he must have been converted after the Gallio incident.
A. J. Maclean.