Sostratus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Sostratus in the Bible?
Sostratus served as the governor of the Jerusalem citadel under Antiochus IV, tasked with collecting revenues for the imperial treasury. He demanded direct payment from Menelaus, leading to a dispute that resulted in Sostratus being summoned before the king.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Sostratus clarifies the administrative structure of the Seleucid Empire in Judea and illustrates the political friction between local high priests and imperial authorities, providing context for the conflicts described in 1 Maccabees.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Sostratus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sostratus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sostratus clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Sostratus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sostratus/