a Christian. When he was converted, or why he left Corinth and was now with Paul at Ephesus, is unknown. Why Paul associated him with himself in writing this Epistle is not known. It is evident that Sosthenes was not an apostle, nor is there any reason to think that he was inspired. Some circumstances are known to have existed respecting Paul's manner of writing to the churches, which may explain it: (1) He was accustomed to employ an amanuensis (scribe) in writing his epistles, and the copyist frequently expressed his concurrence or approbation in what the apostle had indicted; see the note at Romans 16:22 ; compare Colossians 4:18 . "The salutation by the hand of Paul," 2 Thessalonians 3:17 ; 1 Corinthians 16:21 . It is possible that Sosthenes might have been employed by Paul for this purpose. (2) Paul not unfrequently associated others with himself in writing his letters to the churches, himself claiming authority as an apostle; and the others expressing their concurrence; 2 Corinthians 1:1 . Thus, in Galatians 1:1 , "all the brethren" which were with him, are mentioned as united with him in addressing the churches of Galatia; Philippians 1:1 ; Colossians 1:1 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:1 . (3) Sosthenes was well known at Corinth. He had been the chief ruler of the synagogue there. His conversion would, therefore, excite a deep interest, and it is not improbable that he had been conspicuous as a preacher. All these circumstances would render it proper