Silas Who Was Paul’s Companion During Second Missionary Journey
Did you know that Silas was a great singer?
Yes, Silas was a very melodious singer. His voice was very beautiful and people would get lost in whatever words he would sing. Silas had this quality. Whenever he used to praise God, he would change it into a song which had a great effect on the hearts of the people. When Silas was imprisoned, he took advantage of this characteristic and sang the praises of God. These songs also had a positive effect on the hearts of many people.
Introduction
Silas is mentioned in the New Testament. Actually, he was the person who together with Paul had brought the message of Christianity to the people. He became Paul’s companion on the second missionary journey. Silas brought the message of the Bible to the people. He was not only a preacher but also a prophet. He supported Paul every step of the way. When Paul had a difficult time, then Silas was with him and they preached the Bible together.
Verse
Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. (Acts 15:22)
Verse
Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. (Acts 15:32)
Silas With Paul on Missionary Journey
Paul used to take Barnabas with him on most of his preaching trips but for a reason they got into a fight because Barnabas chose another person as his companion. So there was a fight between Barnabas and Paul. They were friends and both wanted to go with each other. But the new partners had to be given a chance. So another partner was chosen for Barnabas, so Silas was selected as Paul’s partner. Both of them made great efforts to convey the message of the Bible to the people. They went to different parts of the country and advised the people to follow the right path. They faced many hardships on the way but with their strong faith, they faced them all bravely.
Verse
But Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. (Acts 15:40)
Verse
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. (Acts 16:6)
Silas With Paul in Philippi
Both Paul and Silas preached Christianity together. Once they were delivering the message of Christianity to the people in Philippi when they were arrested. Despite being arrested, they did not stop preaching to the people. Many prisoners there came to believe in Jesus. God sent a severe earthquake to release them from prison. Due to this earthquake, the doors were broken and both of them were freed from the prison. Even going to prison helped them because many people there came to know the truth and they started to believe in Jesus.
Silas and Paul were imprisoned because, while they were teaching in Philippi. There was a woman possessed by a ghost. She used to tell fortunes to people. People used to give her money in return. She was the maid of some people there and they earned money through this maid. Paul expels the ghost from the maid and the maid regains consciousness and stops telling fortunes. These chiefs did not like this and they hatched a conspiracy. They took Silas and Paul to the court and said that these people are causing trouble and teaching wrong religion. He was imprisoned for this blame.
Paul and Silas used to pray in prison that they would be freed from here. Once they were praying, an earthquake came and the doors opened. The guards there were also very afraid. The guards thought that now they were dead because all the prisoners had escaped, so the chief would kill them. But the prisoners were there. Paul and Silas told him, “Don’t be afraid, we are here.” The guards came to know that these are not ordinary people. Silas and Paul gave them the message of Christianity and they became a Christian. After that people knew that Paul and Silas were messengers from God. Then they were released with honor.
Verse
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25)
Verse
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. (Acts 16:26)
Verse
Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. (Acts 15:32)
Silas’s Role in Epistles Writing
Silas was a very brave, courageous and loyal person. In most of Paul and Peter’s letters, Silas was with them. Peter also wrote a letter in which Silas is mentioned and the letter Paul wrote especially to the Christian community also mentions Silas. This suggests that Silas not only participated in Paul’s missionary journey, but also worked together with the other apostles to preach Christianity. He performed these tasks with determination. When these letters were written, there was also a responsibility to deliver them safely to the destination and Silas took this responsibility. This shows that he was a very brave and determined person.
Verse
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” (2 Corinthians 1:19)
Verse
Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
Faith of Silas in Prison
Silas never gave up. Even when he was in prison with Paul, he had no fear. They believed that the word of God they preached would surely save them. And so it happened, God sent an earthquake to release them from prison. When they were imprisoned, they were not afraid at all. They used to praise and pray to God while sitting in prison. This shows that they had a lot of faith in God. Because of this faith, God never disappointed them and showed them a miracle. Then they were released from prison.
Verse
After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. (Acts 16:23)
Verse
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. (Acts 16:29)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Silas’ life is a perfect example for us. From his life, we know that no matter how difficult situations may come, we should always believe in God and be steadfast. Silas faced very difficult circumstances, but he never gave up and fearlessly continued to preach in the way of God. He was a very loyal and committed person. His life story teaches us about love, loyalty, faith and courage.
Verse
Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
Verse
After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left. (Acts 16:40)
