Bible Dictionaries
Silas, Silvanus

Holman Bible Dictionary

(ssi' luhss, ssihl vay' nuhss) Apparently, the Greek and Latin form of same name, possibly derived from Aramaic or Hebrew name Saul. Leader in the early Jerusalem church. He accompanied both Peter and Paul on separate missionary journeys. One of his first missions was to carry news of the Jerusalem conference to the believers at Antioch (Acts 15:22 ). He and Paul left Antioch together on a mission to Asia Minor (Acts 15:40-41 ) and later to Macedonia. In Philippi the two were imprisoned (Acts 16:19-24 ), but they later won the jailer and his family to the Lord after God delivered them from prison. Later in his ministry Silas teamed with Peter on missions in Pontus and Cappadocia. He also served as Peter's scribe, writing 1Peter and perhaps other letters. Many believe that he composed and arranged most of the letter since Peter probably had little education. See Paul; 1Peter .