Atomic Bible

Prominent member of the Jerusalem church, companion of Paul.

Silas

Named in 17 verses across 5 books, first in Acts 15:22.

ΣίλαςSilas

ΣιλουανόςSilvanus

Also called Silvanus.

The name means “three, or the third.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

About Silas Written by AI

Silas, also known as Silvanus, was a significant figure in the early Christian church, particularly in his role as a companion of the apostle Paul. He is first mentioned in Acts 15:22 as a prominent member of the Jerusalem church, along with Judas Barsabbas, chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to deliver the decision of the Jerusalem Council regarding Gentile believers. Described as a prophet (Acts 15:32), Silas played a vital role in encouraging and strengthening the churches. After parting ways with Barnabas, Paul chose Silas as his new companion for his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). Together, they traveled through Syria, Cilicia, and various cities in Asia Minor, preaching the gospel and establishing churches. In Philippi, Paul and Silas were imprisoned for their ministry but were miraculously freed by an earthquake (Acts 16:19 to 40). They continued their journey, ministering in Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth (Acts 17:1 to 18:5). Silas remained with Paul in Corinth for an extended period, helping him establish the church there. In addition to his missionary work, Silas is also mentioned as a co-author of some of Paul's epistles, specifically 1 and 2 Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1). He is also referred to as Silvanus in 2 Corinthians 1:19 and 1 Peter 5:12, where he is described as a faithful brother. Silas' dedication to the gospel, his leadership in the early church, and his partnership with Paul make him an important figure in the spread of Christianity during the first century.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

Wood, a prominent member of the church at Jerusalem; also called Silvanus. 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 labours, and was also chosen by him to be his companion on his second missionary tour (Acts 16:19-24). He is referred to in the epistles under the name of Silvanus (2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:12). There is no record of the time or place of his death.

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names him

  1. Acts 15:22

    Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers,

  2. Acts 15:27

    Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you in person the same things we are writing.

  3. Acts 15:32

    Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.

  4. Acts 15:34

  5. Acts 15:40

    but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

  6. Acts 16:19

    When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace.

  7. Acts 16:25

    About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

  8. Acts 16:29

    Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.

  9. Acts 17:4

    Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few leading women.

  10. Acts 17:10

    As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue.

  11. Acts 17:14

    The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.

  12. Acts 17:15

    Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

  13. Acts 18:5

    And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

  14. 2 Corinthians 1:19

    For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.”

  15. 1 Thessalonians 1:1

    Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

  16. 2 Thessalonians 1:1

    Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

  17. 1 Peter 5:12

    Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.