Silas

Summary

Silas and Silvanus are the same person. He was a Roman citizen of Jewish origin.

Silas was a prophet. Silas and Judas Barsabbas were chosen by the council of Jerusalem to announce their decision to the Gentiles. Silas didn’t simply drop in to announce the decision.

Paul chose Silas as his ministry partner. Paul didn’t want another ministry partner who would quit the middle of the journey. Paul and Silas suffered persecution together. Paul trusted Silas and Timothy to nurture new Christians. Paul and Silas had a joint ministry in a number of places.

Scripture References

  • Silas: Acts 15.22-23, 32-33, Acts 15.40-41, Acts 16.22-25, 38-40, Acts 17.14-15

  • Encouraging disciples: Acts 14.22, 15.32, 41, 18.23

  • Joint letters with Paul: 1 Th 1.1, 2 Th 1.1

  • Silvanus: 2 Cor 1.19

  • Working with Timothy: Acts 17.14-15, 18.5

  • Testing in Peter’s epistle: 1 Pet 1.6-7, 2.19-23, 3.13-17, 4.1-2, 4.12-19, 5.9

  • Peter’s scribe: 1 Pet 5.12

Discussion Questions

  1. What was Silas’ ministry per Acts 15.22, 32, 16.40?

  2. What perspective on suffering did Silas bring to helping Peter write 1 Peter?

  3. What did Paul see in Silas that made Paul choose Silas as a ministry partner?

  4. What evidence is found in I and II Thessalonians that this was a joint minstry?

  5. In what ways can you relate to Silas as a person and as a follower of Jesus?

  6. Have you ever known someone who had one or more of the positive characteristics of Silas?

  7. What effect did they have on the people they interacted with, particularly with the fellowship they participated in?

  8. What do you find appealing in the story of Silas?