In 1 Corinthians 1:1 we are introduced to Sosthenes, Paul’s companion and possibly his scribe in writing this first letter to the believers at Corinth. It’s likely you’ve never heard of him, as his name is only mentioned twice in the New Testament.

We first meet Sosthenes in Acts 18. Paul has spent the last eighteen months teaching the word of God in Corinth. When he first arrives, Crispus is the leader of the Jewish synagogue, but soon becomes a believer. Sosthenes is appointed in his place.

Paul was a cause of trouble for the Jews who attended synagogue and held to the old covenant laws, just as Jesus was. They rejected Jesus as their Messiah and believed Paul’s teaching to be blasphemous, and that Paul was a traitor to his Jewish roots and faith. Yet he continued teaching and winning converts to the church, protected by God’s Spirit.

Acts 18:9-10 – And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer; but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”

After a year and a half, the Jews assembled in agreement and brought Paul to the Gentile court of the proconsul, Gallio, accusing him of persuading men to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio, however, isn’t to be bothered with their religious issues and dismisses the case. For a reason that isn’t clear, Sosthenes suffers because of this decision. Scripture says, “they all” took hold of Sosthenes and began beating him in front of the judgment seat.

Either the Jews were angry that Sosthenes had been unsuccessful in the attempt to bring a solid case against Paul and had allowed him to continue teaching, or the Greeks were angry that the Jews were wasting their time in court. At any rate, Sosthenes bears the brunt of the anger against Paul. After remaining many days longer, Paul finally leaves town.

I believe something happened in Sosthenes’ heart in those “remaining many days” of Paul’s ministry in Corinth. Confused and rejected, perhaps he sought out Paul to make sense of his Jewish brothers’ anger against the gospel Paul preached. Two years after this event, we find him traveling with Paul, helping to deliver the message of salvation and hope to his people.

1 Corinthians 1:1 – Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother.

Here’s an interesting tidbit. The name “Sosthenes” is a combination of two Greek words: sōzō meaning “to save,” and sthenoō, meaning “to strengthen or make strong.”  Imagine how Sosthenes felt as he transcribed the words of Paul’s letter: But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption (1:30).

By His doing…by God’s doing. Sosthenes was one of God’s “many people in this city,” although at the time God gave that vision to Paul, he had not yet come to faith. God allowed him to experience a difficult trial to strengthen him for salvation. He was an unlikely convert, a leader in the Jewish synagogue, but God had other plans for him.

Scripture only gives us the barest details of the life of Sosthenes. We see where he began and where he ended, but we will have to wait to talk to him in heaven to hear his full story. How encouraging, though, to see another example of how God is in the business of transforming lives, even, and especially, through the most difficult circumstances.

Sosthenes’ story is also an encouragement to all of God’s people who may be tempted to stop speaking the gospel when it becomes difficult. What if Paul had decided the risk was too great, or the circumstances too difficult, and walked away from his mission? I believe God would still have saved Sosthenes, but Paul would have forfeited the opportunity to be part of his journey and enjoy his help and friendship as they served together.

Aren’t you glad that it is only “by His doing” we are in Christ?

Two takeaways. For those who are still seeking the Savior, let your difficult circumstances drive you toward Jesus, not away from Him. He wants to transform your life into something amazing for your good and His glory. And for those who already are in the family, may we serve faithfully like Paul, as God gives us the privilege to proclaim the gospel that is still saving His people today.