Who is…
Silas

also known as: Silvanus

Meaning: wood

This is the name of a prominent member of the early church at Jerusalem, recognized as a leader and prophet, indicating spiritual maturity and discernment. He became a crucial companion to Paul on several of his missionary journeys.

He and Judas, surnamed Barsabas, were chosen by the church there to accompany Paul and Barnabas on their return to Antioch from the council of the Apostles and elders (Acts 15:22), as bearers of the decree adopted by the council.

He assisted Paul there in his evangelistic labors, and was also chosen by him to be his companion on his 2nd missionary tour (Acts 16:19-24).

Acts 16:37-39 seems to suggest that Silas was a Roman citizen. Paul appeals to the Roman magistrates, mentioning that they had beaten Roman citizens and unjustly imprisoned them. This seems to indicate Silas also enjoyed the rights and protections of Roman citizenship.

After the commotion in Thessalonica, Jason seemed to have been understandably concerned for the safety of Paul and Silas, who were sent away by night to Berea. At Berea, Paul was later forced to leave, but Silas remained behind for a time (Acts 17:14).

In Philippi, Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned for casting out an evil spirit from a slave girl (Acts 16). They prayed and sang hymns in prison, and an earthquake miraculously opened the prison doors. This led to the conversion of the jailer and his family (Acts 16:19-30).

Silas is referred to in the epistles under the name of Silvanus (2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12).

Silas displayed great courage, resilience and perseverance in the face of persecution, remaining steadfast in his faith even while imprisoned and beaten.

There is no record of the time or place of his death. He stands as a testament to the early church’s commitment to proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ, even at great personal cost.