Silas was a leading member of the first Christian community in Jerusalem and a colleague of Paul. In the epistles 2 Corinthians and 1 Thessalonians, he is called by a Roman name, Silvanus. He might have been a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37). In Jerusalem he was a prophet who preached (Acts 15:32) and was sent to Antioch, along with Paul and Barnabas, to convey resolutions adopted at the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:22).
After a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, Paul selected Silas to be his companion on his second missionary journey, and Silas accompanied him through Galatia. In Philippi, Paul and Silas were cast into prison because of their preaching the Gospel (Acts 16:21).
As Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to the Lord, an earthquake occurred opening the prison doors. Because of the miraculous event, the jailor asked them what he must do to become saved in Jesus. They replied by telling him: "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and your entire household" (Acts 16:31).
Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea when Paul continued alone to Athens (Acts 17:14). But Silas rejoined him in Corinth (Acts 18:1-5). Silas was known to be a gifted speaker (Acts 15:32).
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