Paul and Sosthenes
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.
1 Corinthians 1:1 (NIV)
The Corinthian letter opens with double senders: Paul, called apostle by God's will, and brother Sosthenes. Sosthenes — likely the converted synagogue ruler — co-signing. Giant Paul shares headers with ordinary brothers. Apostolic courage includes company: nobody faces Corinth alone, not even Paul. Weighty letters need doubled shoulders.
Shared courage multiplies valor. Sosthenes recalls ministry's plurality: praying in pairs, visiting in pairs, deciding in pairs. Churches are born from “we,” never “I”: Paul planting, Apollos watering, Sosthenes signing. Nobody plays Paul solo constantly; sometimes you are Sosthenes — second names sustaining first ones. Second names sustain first impacts.
Find your Sosthenes today: inviting prayer partners, visiting companions, co-signers. Paul and Sosthenes: paired courage for difficult churches.
Godly pairs topple fortresses solo heroes vainly besiege. Faithful pairs win battles heroes lose solo. Find yoke-fellows today and march united. Doubled prayers weigh double in heaven. Walk accompanied farther and gladder. Second names sustain first impacts quietly. Rejoice as Sosthenes today. Eternity records supporting roles equally. Share battles and multiply courage. Share battles daily; win eternally. Never march solo again. Pair up. Paired saints prevail.
And if Sosthenes yourself, rejoice: second names enter eternity too.