Silas

One of Paul’s companions on his second missionary journey. He is sometimes called Silvanus. Like Paul, he was a Jew and a Roman citizen. The church in Jerusalem sent Silas with Paul and Barnabas to the Christians in Antioch to explain the decisions that had been made about Gentile Christians keeping the Jewish Law.

Silas later returned to his home in Jerusalem while Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch. However, when Paul and Barnabas separated, Paul chose Silas to go with him on the second missionary journey. Silas was beaten and imprisoned with Paul in Philippi. They then went on to Thessalonica. After a three-week stay that ended in a riot, they continued on to Berea. Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea for a short time while Paul went on to Athens.

Silas and Timothy joined Paul in Corinth and stayed there for some time. From Corinth, Paul wrote two letters back to the church at Thessalonica. Silas is mentioned in both of them (he is called Silvanus). Scholars believe Silas may have helped Paul in writing these letters. Silas also served as a scribe for the apostle Peter.