In brief
Silas is a respected man among the brothers of the church in Jerusalem, sent to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas to carry the letter about the Gentile believers. As a prophet, he strengthens the churches with his words. Paul then chooses him to travel with him. In Philippi, beaten and thrown into prison with Paul, he prays and sings praises to God at midnight, and the jailer believes in Jesus. He is later present in Thessalonica, Berea and Corinth. His story shows that we can praise God in the midst of trial.
What does the name Silas mean?
The name Silas is generally presented as a Greek form of a Semitic name, but the biblical text gives no explanation of the name. In Paul's letters we also find the name Silvanus (for example in 2 Corinthians 1:19), which is generally linked to Silas.
The story of Silas
A man chosen by the church in Jerusalem
Acts 15:22-33The church in Jerusalem decides to send Judas called Barsabbas and Silas to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, men who were leaders among the brothers. They carry a letter to the Gentile believers. Silas and Judas, who were prophets themselves, encourage and strengthen the brothers with many words, then are sent back in peace to those who sent them.
Paul's traveling companion
Acts 15:40-41After a disagreement with Barnabas, Paul chooses Silas and sets out, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. Together they travel through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches. Silas thus becomes the companion of Paul's second mission, and his ministry reaches far beyond Jerusalem.
Singing in the prison at Philippi
Acts 16:19-26In Philippi, the owners of a slave girl seize Paul and Silas and drag them before the magistrates. After many blows, they are thrown into the inner prison with their feet in stocks. About midnight, Paul and Silas are praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners are listening to them. Then an earthquake opens all the doors.
The jailer and his household
Acts 16:27-34The jailer, seeing the doors open, is about to take his own life, but Paul cries out that they are all there. Trembling, he falls down before Paul and Silas and asks what he must do to be saved. They tell him to believe in the Lord Jesus and he will be saved, he and his household. The word of the Lord is spoken to his whole house.
Thessalonica, Berea and Corinth
Acts 17:4-14 and 18:5In Thessalonica, some join Paul and Silas. The brothers then send them away by night to Berea. When Paul has to leave the city, Silas and Timothy stay behind. They rejoin Paul in Corinth, where, on their arrival from Macedonia, Paul devotes himself fully to the word, testifying that Jesus is the Christ.
What Silas teaches us
- Praising God is possible even in the night and in pain, without waiting for circumstances to change.
- A witness of worship can be heard by those around us, like the prisoners in Philippi.
- God can turn a trial into an opportunity to proclaim the gospel, even to a whole family.
- Faithful service in the shadow of another, like Silas beside Paul, counts in God's eyes.
Key verses
Judas and Silas, who were prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. This verse shows the ministry of Silas: encouraging and establishing believers.
About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening. The two men worship before being delivered, in the midst of suffering.
Paul and Silas tell the jailer to believe in the Lord Jesus and he will be saved, he and his household. The gospel is announced simply, and the promise extends to the whole house.
Sermons about Silas
Frequently asked questions
Who was Silas in the Bible?
Silas is a Christian of the church in Jerusalem, a prophet and a respected man among the brothers (Acts 15:22, 32). He becomes Paul's traveling companion (Acts 15:40), is imprisoned with him in Philippi (Acts 16), then works with him in Thessalonica, Berea and Corinth.
What does the name Silas mean?
His name is generally presented as a Greek form of a Semitic name, and it is linked to Silvanus, the name Paul uses in his letters. The Bible gives no explanation of the name, so it is best to stay cautious about its meaning.
Where can I find the story of Silas in the Bible?
His story is in the book of Acts: his sending to Antioch in Acts 15:22-33, his choice by Paul in Acts 15:40, the prison in Philippi in Acts 16:19-34, then Thessalonica, Berea and Corinth in Acts 17 and 18:5.