Evangelists and missionarie · Prophet · New Testament
The Story of Silas
Also: Silvanus, Sila (Kiswahili)
Leader and prophet in the Jerusalem church who travelled with Paul; also called Silvanus.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Silas, a leading man among the believers and a prophet, was sent from Jerusalem to Antioch with the council's letter, and then chosen by Paul for the second journey. Acts 15:22Acts 15:32Acts 15:40
He was beaten and imprisoned with Paul in Philippi and worked with him in Thessalonica, Berea and Corinth. Silvanus is named as co-sender of the letters to the Thessalonians and as the one through whom 1 Peter was written. Acts 16:19–25Acts 18:51 Thessalonians 1:11 Peter 5:12
Told in: Acts
Life at a glance
- Role
- Leader and prophet in the church Acts 15:22Acts 15:32
- Also called
- Silvanus 2 Corinthians 1:19
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Silas
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Sent with the council's letter
Silas carries the Jerusalem letter to Antioch and encourages the believers.
Chosen by Paul
Paul chooses Silas and sets out through Syria and Cilicia.
More about this event
People: Paul
Prison in Philippi
Beaten and put in stocks, Paul and Silas pray and sing at midnight; an earthquake opens the doors, and the jailer believes.
Thessalonica, Berea and Corinth
Silas works with Paul in Thessalonica and Berea and rejoins him in Corinth.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Silas. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Direct reference
Family and relationships
- PaulFellow missionaryActs 15:40
- TimothyFellow workerActs 17:14–15
- Simon Peter1 Peter was written through Silvanus1 Peter 5:12
Books associated with Silas
- 1 Thessalonians Named as co-sender
Named as co-sender with Paul and Timothy. 1 Thessalonians 1:1
- 2 Thessalonians Named as co-sender
Named as co-sender with Paul and Timothy. 2 Thessalonians 1:1
- 1 Peter Their story appears here
Peter writes 'through Silvanus'; whether as scribe or letter-carrier is discussed. 1 Peter 5:12
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
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