### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Sílas**, represented by `{{G4609}}`, is a contraction for Σιλουανός and refers to the Christian individual, Silas. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Acts, highlighting his role as a key figure in the early church's missionary efforts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Silas emerges in the biblical narrative as a respected leader and prophet from the Jerusalem church. He was chosen by the apostles and elders, along with Judas Barsabas, as one of the "chief men among the brethren" [[Acts 15:22]] to deliver a letter to the church in Antioch. As a prophet himself, Silas exhorted and confirmed the brethren there with many words [[Acts 15:32]]. Subsequently, Paul chose Silas as his companion for his second missionary journey [[Acts 15:40]]. Their travels involved significant persecution; they were caught, brought before rulers, and imprisoned, yet at midnight they prayed and sang praises to God ([[Acts 16:19]], [[Acts 16:25]]). Silas continued to minister alongside Paul and Timotheus in cities like Berea [[Acts 17:10]] and Macedonia [[Acts 18:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the context of Silas's ministry:
* `{{G3972}}` **Paûlos** (Paul): The apostle who **chose** `{{G1951}}` Silas as his missionary partner [[Acts 15:40]]. Their shared ministry, including imprisonment and praise, is a recurring theme [[Acts 16:25]].
* `{{G4396}}` **prophḗtēs** (prophet): Silas is explicitly identified as a **prophet** who used his gift to **exhort** `{{G3870}}` and **confirm** `{{G1991}}` the believers [[Acts 15:32]].
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (brethren): Silas held a leadership position as a "chief man" among the **brethren** `{{G80}}` in Jerusalem and was sent to minister to them in other regions [[Acts 15:22]].
* `{{G5095}}` **Timótheos** (Timotheus): A fellow Christian and missionary companion who often ministered with Paul and **Silas** ([[Acts 17:14]], [[Acts 18:5]]).
### Theological Significance
The narrative of Silas underscores several important themes:
* **Missionary Partnership:** The account heavily features **Silas** working alongside **Paul** `{{G3972}}`. He was **chosen** `{{G1951}}` by Paul and **recommended** `{{G3860}}` by the **brethren** `{{G80}}` for this work, demonstrating a model of collaborative ministry [[Acts 15:40]].
* **Leadership and Encouragement:** As a "chief man" [[Acts 15:22]] and a **prophet** `{{G4396}}`, Silas played a vital role in strengthening the early church, using his gift to **confirm** believers [[Acts 15:32]].
* **Faithfulness Amidst Suffering:** When imprisoned with Paul, Silas's response was not despair but worship. They **prayed** `{{G4336}}` and **sang praises** `{{G5214}}` to **God** `{{G2316}}`, providing a powerful testimony to the other **prisoners** `{{G1198}}` [[Acts 16:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4609}}` **Silas** is presented as a respected prophet and leader from the Jerusalem church who became a loyal and steadfast companion to the apostle Paul. His ministry was characterized by encouragement, faithfulness in the face of severe opposition, and a commitment to strengthening the brethren. The accounts of his work illustrate the collaborative nature of early missions and the power of worship during persecution.
TRV