New Testament · 1st century

Silas

Who was Silas?

Silas was a leader of the early church and a missionary companion of Paul, who sang hymns with him in a Philippian jail.

RoleMissionary companion of Paul

Era1st century

RoleMissionary, church leader

Companion ofPaul

Famous sceneSinging in the Philippian jail

Chosen by Paul for the second missionary journey, Silas shared in both the labors and the dangers of spreading the gospel.

In Philippi, after being beaten and imprisoned, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns at midnight when an earthquake shook open the prison doors — leading the jailer and his family to faith.

A faithful partner, Silas also helped carry letters and strengthen the churches.

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.” Acts 15:40 “but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.”

Related people

Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.