Person · Bible dictionary
Silas
Paul's companion on the second missionary journey — co-author of letters, jailed with Paul in Philippi, and a faithful partner in the spread of the gospel.
Silas (also called Silvanus) was a leader in the Jerusalem church chosen by the apostles to deliver their letter to Antioch. He then joined Paul after Paul and Barnabas parted ways.
He shared Paul's beatings and imprisonments — most famously singing hymns at midnight in the Philippian jail when an earthquake opened the doors. Peter notes Silas helped him write 1 Peter, marking him as a trusted hand in the early church.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Acts 16:25 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” 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.”
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Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.