### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name **Sōsthénēs**, represented by `{{G4988}}`, means **of safe strength**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible and is used to identify a Christian man.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4988}}` is used to identify a person in two different contexts. He is mentioned as **our brother** `{{G80}}` alongside the apostle **Paul** `{{G3972}}` in the introduction to a letter to the Corinthians [[1 Corinthians 1:1]]. In a separate account, a man named **Sosthenes** `{{G4988}}` is described as the **chief ruler of the synagogue** `{{G752}}` who was **beat** `{{G5180}}` by the **Greeks** `{{G1672}}` **before** `{{G1715}}` the **judgment seat** `{{G968}}`, an event to which the Roman officer **Gallio** `{{G1058}}` was indifferent [[Acts 18:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the accounts involving **Sosthenes** `{{G4988}}`:
* `{{G752}}` **archisynágōgos** (director of the synagogue services): This title identifies the position of authority **Sosthenes** held within the Jewish community [[Acts 18:17]]. The same title is given to Crispus, who believed on the Lord with his house [[Acts 18:8]].
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (a brother): This term denotes a familial relationship within the faith. **Paul** `{{G3972}}` uses it to identify **Sosthenes** as a fellow believer [[1 Corinthians 1:1]] and frequently addresses fellow Christians as **brethren** [[Romans 12:1]].
* `{{G5180}}` **týptō** (to thump, pummel): This verb describes the violent action taken against **Sosthenes** [[Acts 18:17]]. It is used elsewhere to describe striking someone on the cheek [[Luke 6:29]] or figuratively, to **wound** a weak conscience [[1 Corinthians 8:12]].
* `{{G968}}` **bēma** (a tribunal): This term refers to the **judgment seat** where **Gallio** `{{G1058}}` was seated when **Paul** `{{G3972}}` was brought before him and where **Sosthenes** was beaten ([[Acts 18:12]], [[Acts 18:17]]). Scripture also states that all believers must appear before the **judgment seat** of **Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[2 Corinthians 5:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the references to **Sosthenes** `{{G4988}}` is seen in the themes surrounding his appearances:
* **Leadership and Faith:** The identity of **Sosthenes** as a **chief ruler of the synagogue** `{{G752}}` who is also called a **brother** `{{G80}}` in Christ highlights the gospel's reach into the established religious structures of the day ([[Acts 18:17]], [[1 Corinthians 1:1]]).
* **Partnership in the Gospel:** By including **Sosthenes** in the opening of his letter, **Paul** `{{G3972}}` presents him as a partner in ministry. This inclusion alongside an **apostle** `{{G652}}` underscores the collaborative nature of the early church's work [[1 Corinthians 1:1]].
* **Conflict and Sovereignty:** The beating of **Sosthenes** before the **judgment seat** `{{G968}}` while **Gallio** `{{G1058}}` "cared for none of those things" illustrates the hostility faced by those associated with the faith and the indifference of worldly powers [[Acts 18:17]].
### Summary
In summary, **Sōsthénēs** `{{G4988}}` represents a figure of transition and partnership in the early church. While appearing only twice, his story connects the leadership of the synagogue to the fellowship of believers in **Christ** `{{G5547}}`. The individual who was beaten as a **chief ruler of the synagogue** `{{G752}}` is also presented as a **brother** `{{G80}}` alongside **Paul** `{{G3972}}`, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel that creates unity and strength out of conflict.
TRV