Early church · sent from Jerusalem around AD 49, Paul’s companion around AD 50–52
Silas in the Bible
Paul’s companion who sang in prison. Name meaning: Silas in Acts, probably “Silvanus” in the epistles (a Latin name from silva, “forest”); the Bible does not comment on the name
Silas, a “chief man among the brethren” and a prophet, is chosen by the church in Jerusalem to carry to Antioch the letter that frees the Gentile converts from the burden of the law (Acts 15:22-32). Paul then takes him as his traveling companion. At Philippi, beaten with rods and thrown into prison, he prays and sings with Paul at midnight before the prison is shaken (Acts 16:25-26). His name, in the form “Silvanus,” stands at the head of both letters to the Thessalonians.
Key moments
- The Jerusalem church chooses him to carry the letter Acts 15:22
- A prophet, he strengthens the brothers in Antioch Acts 15:32
- Paul chooses him as his companion Acts 15:40
- Beaten with rods and thrown into prison at Philippi Acts 16:23
- He prays and sings at midnight in prison Acts 16:25
- The jailer believes on the Lord Jesus and is baptized Acts 16:31
- The magistrates learn that he is a Roman, like Paul Acts 16:38
- He stays in Berea with Timothy Acts 17:14
Strengths
- Faithfulness
- Courage
- Joy in suffering
- Team spirit
Weaknesses
The Bible records no failing in Silas. Nor does it record any words of his own, apart from the answer he gives with Paul to the jailer (Acts 16:31): he is one of those who serve in the background, and we know little about him.
Lessons for today
- Serve the church by faithfully carrying a message that is not your own: Silas brings the letter from Jerusalem (Acts 15:22-27).
- Praise God in the hard times: at midnight, in the stocks, Paul and Silas pray and sing, and the prisoners listen (Acts 16:24-25).
- Salvation is offered to a whole household: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31).
- Ministry is lived out as a team: Silas, Timothy, and Paul send their letters to the Thessalonians together (1 Thess 1:1).
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
People around Silas
- Paul — Companion on the road, in prison, and in writing letters
- Timothy — Fellow worker who joins them at Lystra; he stays with Silas in Berea
- Barnabas — Paul’s earlier companion; Silas takes his place when Barnabas leaves for Cyprus
- Judas, called Barsabbas — Sent with him from Jerusalem to Antioch
- The jailer at Philippi — He believes on the Lord Jesus and is baptized with his household
- Mark — The one Paul refused to take along again before choosing Silas
Stories with Silas
Quiz: how well do you know Silas?
Whom did Paul choose to accompany him after parting ways with Barnabas?
“Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.” Barnabas, for his part, took Mark with him to Cyprus. Acts 15:39–40
In which city were Paul and Silas beaten with rods and thrown into prison?
At Philippi, after the slave girl was set free, the magistrates had Paul and Silas beaten with rods and thrown into prison, with orders to guard them carefully. Acts 16:22–24
What did Paul and Silas tell the jailer when he asked what he must do to be saved?
They said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” The jailer was baptized that same night, he and all his household. Acts 16:30–33
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.