Meaning of the Name Silas

The origin of Silas is not certain, and its etymology remains debated. Many scholars treat it as a shortened Greek form of Silvanus; if that connection is right, it is linked to the Latin silva, 'wood' or 'forest.' Yet it is not certain whether Silas was an independent name or an adapted form of another Semitic or Greco-Roman name.

Origin

The name Silas is of Greek form; precise origin is uncertain origin.

Who is Silas in the Bible?

Silas is introduced as a leading member of the Jerusalem church and a prophet, and he later becomes one of Paul's close coworkers on the second journey. He is imprisoned with Paul in Philippi and then appears in the ministry at Thessalonica and Berea.

The story of Silas in the Bible

We first meet Silas after the council in Jerusalem: the community chose two leading men among the brothers to carry its decisions to Antioch, and Silas was one of them. He is also called a prophet, and he spent time encouraging the believers in Antioch. When Paul and Barnabas parted ways, Paul chose Silas for the second journey. That road led to a prison in Philippi: beaten and jailed with Paul, he prayed and sang hymns at midnight while the other prisoners listened, and after a sudden earthquake the jailer and his household came to faith. From there they moved on to Thessalonica, and when unrest broke out, the brothers sent the two of them to Berea by night. Silas stayed behind for a while as Paul went toward Athens, then rejoined him. Many interpreters identify the Silvanus of the letters with Silas; if so, his name reappears beside Paul and Timothy in the openings of the Thessalonian letters and in Peter's first letter as a faithful brother.

Is Silas mentioned in the Quran?

The name Silas does not appear in the Quran; in the Bible he is a leading member of the Jerusalem church and Paul's companion on his second journey, as told in the book of Acts.

Verses where Silas appears