Who is…
Silas

also known as: Silvanus

Meaning: wood

This is the name of a prominent member of the early church at Jerusalem.

He and Judas, surnamed Barsabas, were chosen by the church there to accompany Paul and Barnabas on their return to Antioch from the council of the apostles and elders (Acts 15:22), as bearers of the decree adopted by the council.

He assisted Paul there in his evangelistic labors, and was also chosen by him to be his companion on his second missionary tour (Acts 16:19-24).

An earthquake at Philippi shook the prison in which Paul and Silas were imprisoned (Act 16:19-30).

He is referred to in the epistles under the name of Silvanus (2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12).

There is no record of the time or place of his death.

More information

• Who shares the name Barsabas in the Bible?
• What is Jerusalem, and why is it highly significant in world history and future events?
• Who is Paul? and what is his significance?
• Who is Barnabas?
• What is Philippi?
• What is an evangelist in the Bible?
• Men of the Bible