What should we learn from the account of Paul and Silas?

Answer

Paul and Silas served together during the second missionary journey (Acts 15–18). Their partnership is first mentioned after the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, when both men were part of the group that brought the council’s decision back to Syrian Antioch (verse 22). Silas, referred to as a “prophet,” provided much encouragement and strength to the believers in Antioch (verse 32).

Following Paul and Barnabas parting ways, Paul selected Silas as his companion, and they traveled to Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches «And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.», (Acts 15:41). Subsequently, Paul and Silas journeyed to Derbe and Lystra, where they were joined by another companion, Timothy (Acts 16:1-3). Guided by the Spirit, Paul and Silas then traveled to Macedonia (verses 6–10). While in Philippi, they witnessed conversions and established a church, despite facing opposition from Satan. Their preaching led to their arrest, beating, and imprisonment (Acts 16:16-24). In prison, Paul and Silas, with their feet in stocks, sang hymns. An earthquake later opened the prison doors, freeing the prisoners. Fearing blame for the jailbreak, the jailer contemplated suicide but was dissuaded by Paul and Silas. They shared the gospel with him, leading to his and his household’s salvation that night (Acts 16:25-34). Verse 37 suggests that Silas, like Paul, was a Roman citizen.

Paul and Silas then continued their journey, spreading the gospel.Paul and Silas went to Thessalonica together and preached at a synagogue of the Jews. Some of the Jews were convinced of the truth and were saved. Many Greeks and “leading women” also believed (Acts 17:1-4). Once again, Paul and Silas faced opposition from Satan, and the unbelieving Jews attacked the house of Jason, one of the new believers, accusing him of harboring “men who have turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:5-8). Subsequently, Paul and Silas moved on to Berea. There they encountered another group of Jews who were described as “more noble” than those in Thessalonica. The Bereans listened to Paul and Silas, and many of them believed after examining the Scriptures to confirm the truth of their message (Acts 17:11-12).

The last mention of Silas in Acts is in 18:5, as he and Paul are in Corinth. Paul stayed with the Corinthians for a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them (Acts 18:11), and then left for Antioch, apparently alone. The Bible does not mention what happened to Silas after that. When Paul departed from Corinth, he promised to return if possible, but he sailed from Ephesus (Acts 18:21). It is believed that Silas and Timothy may have stayed in Corinth; tradition suggests that Silas remained as the pastor. Peter refers to Silas as “a faithful brother” in 1 Peter 5:12. Paul also mentions Silas in 2 Corinthians 1:19 and in the introductions of both epistles to the Thessalonians.

From the biblical account of Paul and Silas, we learnIn the importance of loyal companions and devoted servants of the Lord in spreading the gospel. Paul and Silas shared the same mindset and were equally devoted to serving God. Whether they sought guidance in Asia, pioneered new paths in Europe, preached in synagogues, or sang in prison, Paul and Silas did so unitedly. Their dedication to the gospel and to one another sets an example of how believers should collaborate today.