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STUDIES IN
ACTS 
16. SILAS - a team man
"Judas... and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers" (Acts
7:59).
Introduction
Luke introduces Silas as another minister produced by the growing
Jerusalem church. His ministry expanded as he teamed up with the
apostle Paul.
Consider the person
The decision of the Jerusalem council on the issue of the law and
circumcision was communicated to the churches in Antioch, Syria and
Cilicia by Silas and Judas Barsabbas. They returned with Paul and
Barnabas to Antioch and, as prophets, encouraged the church through
their ministry before completing their mission and returning home to
Jerusalem (Acts 15:22-33). When Paul had a sharp disagreement with
Barnabas over John Mark, he chose Silas as his new missionary companion
and travelled north. Barnabas took John Mark and retraced the steps
made on the first missionary journey (see Acts 15:36-41). Silas
supported Paul through Syria, Cilicia, Phrygia and Galatia. In
Macedonia he began to share in the joys and trials of apostolic
ministry at Philippi. His Roman citizenship was made know here (Acts
16:12-40; cf. 22:28).
Study the Scriptures
Consider Silas' relationship and experiences with Paul. He ministered
with the apostle in Philippi and shared a prison cell with him (Acts
16:19-40). In Thessalonica and Berea they experienced persecution (Acts
17:1-13). When Paul left for Athens, he was left with Timothy to
support the new work (Acts 17:13,14). Later, rejoining Paul in Corinth,
he shared the good news that the young Thessalonian church was thriving
in spite of continued opposition. Silas and Timothy worked with Paul in
Corinth (Acts 18:5; 2 Cor.1:18,19). Paul refers to Silas (Silvanus) in
his letters (2 Cor.1:19; 1 Thess.1:1; 2 Thess.1:1). He may have been
his secretary. Peter made use of his professional ability as a scribe
(1 Pet.5:12).
Ask questions
1. Paul and Barnabas risked their lives for the gospel (Acts
15:26). Can the same be said of Silas? Consider Acts 16:19-26 and 2
Cor.1:19.
2. Peter introduces Silas as 'a faithful brother' (1
Pet.5:12). How does he illustrate faithfulness? He is recognised as a
leader in Acts 15:22.
3. In what sense was Silas a team man? Did team ministry
mature his abilities and advance the work of God?
4. How does Silas compare with Barnabas as Paul's missionary
companion?
Apply some thoughts
1. The Jerusalem church was a healthy church – it gained
converts and produced ministers, supporting new churches with its best
men. How virile is our church?
2. Be prepared to challenge Silas-type believers in your
church with a ministry call.
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