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Companion of St Paul 

Silas was a friend and companion of  Paul and was prominent among the members of the church in Jerusalem. We learn of some of his activities from Acts, where he is named Silas. In various of the New Testament letters we hear of him under the Greek form of his name, Silvanus. Acts 15 records that he was chosen with Paul and Barnabas to take a letter from the council held at Jerusalem to the Christians of Antioch (Acts 15:22).

After encouraging the church, Judas and Silas returned to Jerusalem (Acts 15:33). Silas was soon back in Antioch. When Paul and Barnabas had their disagreements about Mark and went their separate ways (Acts 15:36-40), Paul chose Silas to accompany him on his second missionary journey to Syria, Cilicia and Macedonia. This may suggest that Silas was more sympathetic to Paul’s liberal interpretation of the gospel than Barnabas was. Even so, Silas did not encounter some of the antagonism that Paul seemed to incur from conservative Jews. Silas, along with Paul, was imprisoned and beaten at Philippi (Acts 16:19f), and together they were involved in the riot of the Jews at Thessalonica which led to their leaving there for Beroea (Acts 17:1-15; 1 Thessalonians 2:1,2). When Paul departed, Silas remained at Beroea with Timothy, but later rejoined Paul at Corinth (Acts 18:5; 2 Corinthians 1:19).

The conclusion of 1 Peter states that “through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you” (1 Peter 5:12). This reference raises questions about Silvanus’s role as an amanuensis: was he merely the scribe, or did he compose the letter himself along the lines sketched by the apostle? 1 Peter was addressed to Christians in Cappadocia, an area never visited by Paul. According to tradition Silas died in Macedonia.

For Liturgical Use

Silas is mentioned frequently in the Acts of the Apostles. He was sent to Antioch by the church in Jerusalem and became the devoted friend and companion of Paul, with whom he journeyed and with whom he lived at various times and places. In Acts he is called Silas, but in several New Testament letters he is referred to as Silvanus, the Greek form of his name. Tradition says he died in Macedonia.

Sentence

I will take up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.    Psalm 116:13

Collects

Loving God,
by your grace, your servant Silas
proved a trustworthy companion to your apostles;
make us loyal to your friends and ours,
that we may encourage one another on our way,
for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

God of the new covenant,
accept our praise and thanks for Silas,
Paul’s companion,
who knew full well what awaited him;
give us the courage and enthusiasm
that suffers judicial flogging
and still sings hymns of joy.

Psalms    92:1-5,12-15    133

Readings

Micah 6:6-8        Love kindness
Acts 16:25-34        Paul and Silas in prison
Matthew 18:19-20        Time together

Post Communion Sentence

All of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart and a humble mind.                1 Peter 3:8

This event

Users

“Would to God that all the Lord's people were Prophets.” Num. 11:29

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