1Cor 1:1 | Abbott | STEP | And Sosthenes. In , an account is given of an attempt made by the Jews at Corinth to induce the Roman deputy to inflict punishment upon Paul for the offence of preaching Christianity; which attempt not only failed, but a reaction was produced in Paul's favor, so strong that the populace arose and took summary vengeance upon those who had made the attempt,—publicly beating a ruler of the synagogue, named Sosthenes, whom they appear to have regarded as the leader and representative of the hostility against Paul. It would seem that this Sosthenes afterwards became a Christian, and was now the apostle's friend and companion. His prominent position as ruler of the synagogue at Corinth, and the personal influence which would naturally be connected with it, were very probably the reason why his name was joined with that of the apostle in this communication. From the fact that the name is so joined, we may draw an important inference in respect to the nature of the authority which Paul assumed over the church at Corinth in this letter of reproof, viz., that it was personal, not official; an authority which he exercised in virtue of his character and station, and not that of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, over the church, in a technical sense. For it is only in the former case that the joining of any other name, however highly esteemed, with, his own, could be admissible at all. It would be a great addition to the strength of friendly reproofs and warnings, one entitled by his character and position to offer them, while it would be plainly irregular in a document intended to announce the decisions and directions of art official superior.

1 Corinthians 1:1

And Sosthenes. In Acts 18:12-17, an account is given of an attempt made by the Jews at Corinth to induce the Roman deputy to inflict punishment upon Paul for the offence of preaching Christianity; which attempt not only failed, but a reaction was produced in Paul's favor, so strong that the populace arose and took summary vengeance upon those who had made the attempt,—publicly beating a ruler of the synagogue, named Sosthenes, whom they appear to have regarded as the leader and representative of the hostility against Paul. It would seem that this Sosthenes afterwards became a Christian, and was now the apostle's friend and companion. His prominent position as ruler of the synagogue at Corinth, and the personal influence which would naturally be connected with it, were very probably the reason why his name was joined with that of the apostle in this communication. From the fact that the name is so joined, we may draw an important inference in respect to the nature of the authority which Paul assumed over the church at Corinth in this letter of reproof, viz., that it was personal, not official; an authority which he exercised in virtue of his character and station, and not that of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, over the church, in a technical sense. For it is only in the former case that the joining of any other name, however highly esteemed, with, his own, could be admissible at all. It would be a great addition to the strength of friendly reproofs and warnings, one entitled by his character and position to offer them, while it would be plainly irregular in a document intended to announce the decisions and directions of art official superior.