Silas
Israelite / Jew Jewish believer of the Jerusalem church; a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37) · Early Church · New Testament
- Also called
- Silvanus
- Role
- Prophet and missionary companion of Paul
- When
- c. AD 49-60s
What they did
A chief man among the brethren, he carried the Jerusalem council's letter to Antioch, travelled with Paul on the second journey, and sang praises with him at midnight in the Philippian prison.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
He helped confirm the council's decision welcoming Gentile believers and shared in planting churches in Macedonia and Greece.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:25 (KJV)
Bible references
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: Acts 15:22 (KJV)
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. Acts 15:40 (KJV)
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:25 (KJV)
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 (KJV)
By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. 1 Peter 5:12 (KJV)
Family
Scripture records little about this person's family.