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Portrait of SilasPortrait · Silas

Early Church · New Testament

Silas

Prophet and Missionary Companion

Name meaning
Forest or wood
Name origin
Latin: Silvanus; Silas is a shortened form, origin uncertain

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Prophet
  • Missionary
  • Roman citizen (Acts 16:37)
Birthplace
Jerusalem (church leadership context)
Modern-day location
His birthplace is not specified; Jerusalem is associated with his church leadership.
Family
  • Co-worker of Paul and Timothy
First mention
Acts 15:22
Last mention
1 Peter 5:12 (Silvanus)
Key artifacts
  • Prison chains
  • Scroll
  • Roman travel cloak

Key verses

  • “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words.”

    Acts 15:32

  • “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God.”

    Acts 16:25

  • “By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly.”

    1 Peter 5:12

Biography

Early Life

Silas was a respected leader in the Jerusalem church, chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas’s representatives to Antioch.

Defining Biblical Moments

He traveled with Paul, was beaten and imprisoned in Philippi, and sang hymns with Paul at midnight before an earthquake opened the prison. He later served with Timothy and Peter.

Strengths

Silas was resilient, trusted by churches, and able to encourage others through hardship.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His imprisonment reflects the real danger of mission; his example centers on faithfulness rather than escape from difficulty.

Life Lessons for Today

His imprisonment reflects the real danger of mission; his example centers on faithfulness rather than escape from difficulty.

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Silas appears in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #45 in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church

The Life of Jesus & The Early Church front cover

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