NT Characters: Silas

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/nt-character-podcast-48-silas/">website</a>.</p><p><strong>Introduction</strong></p><ul><li>Silas is mainly referred to in Acts 15-18. “Silas” first appears in Acts 15:22. He is referred to by his full name, <i>Silvanus</i>, in 2 Cor 1:19; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1; and 1 Pet 5:12.</li><li>His ministry is rich:<ul><li>Silas is a <strong>prophet</strong>—one of two who encourage the faithful in Antioch (15:32). In some sense, bringing the Word of God—or a word from God.</li><li>He's also a <strong>writer</strong>. He assisted both Paul (1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1) and Peter (1 Pet 5:12).</li><li>And he is Paul's <strong>colleague</strong> in ministry. After Paul's disagreement with Barnabas, Paul takes Silas with him (in lieu of Barnabas himself) on the trip to the cities where Paul and Barnabas had established congregations (Acts 15:40). Compared with Barnabas, Silas is perhaps more an assistant than a partner. Nevertheless, especially considering their Philippian experience, they must have been bonded.</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Acts 16:19-40</strong></p><ul><li>The situation in Acts 16:16ff. – economic motivation for persecution.</li><li>Notice the verbs<i>: seized, dragged, stripped, beaten, flogged, thrown, fastened.</i></li><li>Lack of due process. Both Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. When I’m treated unfairly, do I pout?</li><li>I often assumed these were happy songs. Maybe so, yet the Psalms include many darker, though situationally more appropriate, prayers.</li><li>Praying and singing are excellent therapy for the cuts and bruises, and even for the injustice.</li><li>The miraculous release reminds us of Peter’s release from prison in Acts 12.</li></ul><p><strong>Further:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Thessalonica</strong>: <i>After Paul and Silas had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia</i> (Acts 17:1). <i>Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas</i> (17:4a). <i>While they were searching for