Silas
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Asked for; of the forest”
A leading man of the Jerusalem church and prophet who became Paul’s companion on the second journey — singing hymns with him in the Philippian jail at midnight.
Biography
Silas (also called Silvanus) was a leader and prophet in the Jerusalem church, chosen to carry the council's decree to Antioch (Acts 15:22, 32). When Paul and Barnabas parted, Paul took Silas as his companion for the second missionary journey (Acts 15:40).
Singing in prison
At Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into the inner prison with their feet in stocks. Rather than despair, "at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God" — and a great earthquake shook the prison, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:25–34).
Fellow-worker and scribe
Silas continued with Paul through Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth, and is named as co-sender of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. As "Silvanus" he also helped carry and write the first epistle of Peter (1 Peter 5:12), a valued servant of two apostles.
Life Timeline
Chosen as Paul’s companion for the second journey
Sings praises with Paul in the Philippian jail
Themes & lessons from Silas
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Silas appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
17 verses in 5 booksActs13 verses
Acts 15:22
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 15:27
We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. mouth: Gr. word
Acts 15:32
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
Acts 15:34
Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
Acts 15:40
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
Acts 16:19
And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, marketplace: or, court
Acts 16:25
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Acts 16:29
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
Acts 17:4
And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
Acts 17:10
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Acts 17:14
And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
Acts 17:15
And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
Acts 18:5
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. was Christ: or, is the Christ
2 Corinthians1 verse
2 Corinthians 1:19
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
1 Thessalonians1 verse
1 Thessalonians 1:1
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.
2 Thessalonians1 verse
2 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Peter1 verse
1 Peter 5:12
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.
Frequently asked about Silas
Who was Silas in the Bible?
A leading man of the Jerusalem church and prophet who became Paul’s companion on the second journey — singing hymns with him in the Philippian jail at midnight.
What does the name Silas mean?
The name Silas means “Asked for; of the forest”.
What did Silas do in the Bible?
Silas served as missionary, prophet.
Where does Silas appear in the Bible?
Silas is mentioned 17 times across 5 books: Acts, 2 Corinthians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Peter.
What can we learn from Silas?
The story of Silas touches on themes of silas, paul, timothy, criminals — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Silas's life.
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