Silas

the one who sang in prison

Who was Silas?

He was one of the leaders of the Christians in Jerusalem, and a prophet. Acts 15:22, 32
Paul chose him as his companion for his second journey. Acts 15:40
In the prison at Philippi, at midnight, he prayed and sang hymns to God with Paul. Acts 16:25

Also called: Silvanus 2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; NAB note on 1 Pe 5, 12
Occupation: A prophet of the Church; later, a missionary with Paul Acts 15:32, 40

What the Bible says

Acts 15:22, 32

²²Then it pleased the apostles and ancients, with the whole church, to choose men of their own company, and to send to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas, who was surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren. ³²But Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, with many words comforted the brethren, and confirmed them.

Acts 15:40

But Paul choosing Silas, departed, being delivered by the brethren to the grace of God.

Acts 16:25

And at midnight, Paul and Silas praying, praised God. And they that were in prison, heard them.

Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.

The path of Silas

Before Jesus. He was one of the men who led the brothers in Jerusalem. Acts 15:22
Before Jesus. The apostles and the elders of the Church sent him to Antioch, with Judas Barsabbas, to deliver the letter from the meeting in Jerusalem. Acts 15:22-23, 27
Before Jesus. Since he was a prophet, he encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. Acts 15:32
With Jesus. Paul chose him as his traveling companion when he parted from Barnabas. Acts 15:39-40
With Jesus. With Paul he traveled through Syria and Cilicia. They went along strengthening the churches. Acts 15:41
With Jesus. In Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and thrown into prison. Acts 16:22-23
With Jesus. At midnight they were praying and singing to God. An earthquake opened the doors, and the jailer was baptized with his family. Acts 16:25-26, 33
With Jesus. The officials of Philippi learned that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens and became afraid. They came to apologize, led them out of the prison and asked them to leave the city. Acts 16:38-39
With Jesus. Before leaving, Paul and Silas stopped at Lydia’s house and encouraged the brothers. Acts 16:40
With Jesus. In Thessalonica, some believed and joined Paul and Silas. So did many Greeks who worshiped God, and some prominent women. Acts 17:4
Afterward. He stayed with Timothy in Beroea and later caught up with Paul in Corinth. Acts 17:14; Acts 18:1, 5
Afterward. His Latin name, Silvanus, appears at the beginning of both letters to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1

Words of Silas

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31

Together with Paul, when the jailer in Philippi asked them what he had to do to be saved.

What they were like

He was a prophet and encouraged the brothers with many words. Acts 15:32
In prison, at night, he prayed and sang hymns to God. Acts 16:25
The First Letter of Peter calls Silvanus “a faithful brother”. 1 Peter 5:12

The greatest thing they did

He carried the apostles’ letter to Antioch. The letter placed no more burdens on Christians who were not Jewish than were necessary. Acts 15:22, 27-28
With Paul and Timothy, he proclaimed Jesus in Corinth. 2 Corinthians 1:19

Not to be confused with

Judas Barsabbas was sent to Antioch together with Silas, and both were prophets. Afterward, only Silas went on traveling with Paul. Acts 15:22, 32-33, 40

What people ask

Are Silas and Silvanus the same person?

A NAB note understands it that way. Silas is his Semitic name and Silvanus his Latin one, like Saul and Paul. 2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; NAB note on 1 Pe 5, 12

Why was Silas in prison?

In Philippi, Paul freed a slave girl from a spirit of fortune-telling. The girl’s owners lost their income and accused Paul and Silas. Acts 16:16-21

Was Silas a Roman citizen?

Yes. In Philippi, Paul told the guards that both of them were Roman citizens. Acts 16:37

Did Silas also work with Peter?

The First Letter of Peter says that it was written through Silvanus, “a faithful brother”. A NAB note identifies him with Paul’s companion. 1 Peter 5:12; NAB note on 1 Pe 5, 12

What did Paul and Silas tell the jailer in Philippi?

The jailer asked them what he had to do to be saved. They answered that he should believe in the Lord Jesus, and he and his household would be saved. Acts 16:30-31

How were Paul and Silas received in Beroea?

Very eagerly. Every day the people examined the Scriptures to see whether what they heard was true, and many believed. Acts 17:10-12

What he suffered In Philippi he was beaten with rods and locked up with his feet fastened in the stocks. Acts 16:22-24 In Thessalonica there was a riot, and the…

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Who Silas is connected to

Paul · traveling companion
Timothy · companions of Paul
Lydia · from prison to her home
Judas Barsabbas · sent together

More people

All the people of the Bible · The Twelve Apostles · Women of the Bible

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