Original Word: Σίλας
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Silas
Pronunciation: SEE-las
Phonetic Spelling: (see'-las)
Definition: Silas, a pet-form of the name Silvanus; a Roman citizen and a helper of Paul.
Meaning: Silas; a leading member of the early Christian community, companion of the Apostle Paul.

Word Origin: A contracted form of the Latin name Silvanus, which is derived from "silva," meaning "forest" or "wood."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for the Greek name Silas, as it is of Latin origin. However, the role and function of Silas in the New Testament can be compared to various Old Testament figures who served as leaders and messengers, such as the prophets and Levites, though no specific Strong's Hebrew entry directly corresponds to Silas.

Usage: The name Silas appears in the New Testament as a prominent figure in the early Church, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles of Paul. He is known for his missionary journeys alongside Paul and his role in the spread of the Gospel.

Context: Silas, also known as Silvanus, is a significant figure in the New Testament, recognized for his leadership and missionary work in the early Christian Church. He first appears in Acts 15:22, where he is described as one of the "leading men among the brothers" in the Jerusalem church. Silas was chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to deliver the decision of the Jerusalem Council, which addressed the issue of Gentile converts and the Mosaic Law.

Silas is most notably known for his missionary journeys with the Apostle Paul. In Acts 16:19-40, Silas and Paul are imprisoned in Philippi, where they famously sing hymns and pray, leading to a miraculous earthquake that opens the prison doors. This event results in the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household. Silas continues to travel with Paul through Macedonia and Greece, preaching the Gospel and establishing churches.

In the Epistles, Silas is mentioned as a co-author with Paul in the letters to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:1), indicating his significant role in the early Christian communities. He is also referred to as Silvanus in 2 Corinthians 1:19 and 1 Peter 5:12, where he is commended for his faithful service.

Silas's contributions to the early Church highlight his dedication to the spread of Christianity and his partnership with Paul in the mission to the Gentiles. His presence in key events and his mention in the Epistles underscore his importance as a trusted leader and evangelist.

Word Origin
of Aramaic origin
Definition
Silas, a fellow missionary of Paul
NASB Translation
Silas (13).

STRONGS NT 4609: Σιλᾶς

Σιλᾶς (genitive not found (except Josephus, Vita17 Σιλᾷ)), dative Σιλᾷ, accusative Σιλᾶν (Buttmann, 20 (18)), ὁ, Silas (contracted from Σιλουανός, which see; Winer's Grammar, 103 (97)), a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37f), the companion of the apostle Paul in several of his journeys, and his associate in preaching the gospel: Acts 15:22, 27, 32, 34 Rec., 40; Acts 16:19, 25, 29; Acts 17:4, 10, 14; Acts 18:5. (B. D., under the word .)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Silas.

Contraction for Silouanos; Silas, a Christian -- Silas.

see GREEK Silouanos

Forms and Transliterations

Σιλα Σίλᾳ Σιλαν Σιλᾶν Σίλαν Σιλας Σιλᾶς Σίλας Sila Sílāi Silan Sílan Silas Sílas

Links

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