Silas: the devotion of a servant
Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him (1 Peter 5:12).
We learn at the end of Acts 16 that both Paul and Silas were Roman citizens (Acts 16: 37-38). Interestingly, they did not use their Roman citizenship to escape persecution in Philippi. But they did use it afterwards to put fear into the hearts of the magistrates. As Christians, we have a witness to righteousness. This can touch people’s consciences and awaken in them a spiritual need when they are faced with their failures. God used an earthquake to convict the heart of the Philippian jailer. The magistrates felt humbled and vulnerable when they realised they had beaten two Roman citizens, without trial. They did not react in the same way as the jailer. However, the Christian testimony had only just begun in Philippi, and such experiences can be used of God to gradually lead people to Christ. Paul and Silas must still have been suffering from their severe beating when they arrived at Lydia’s home. Yet they did not go there to be served, but to encourage their new brethren in Christ. Suffering for Christ did not hinder, but rather advanced the work of God.
Paul and Silas leave Philippi and travel to Thessalonica and preach Christ. They were accused of “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:1-6). I have always thought they turned it the right way up! When our hearts are Christ-centred, every aspect of our life is brought into proper focus. As persecution arose in Thessalonica, the local Christians protected Paul and Silas by taking them at night to Berea (Acts 17:10). They wasted no time preaching and teaching in the synagogue at Berea, and there was immediate blessing. Whenever this happens, Satan causes difficulty, and troublemakers from Thessalonica soon appeared in Berea. As a result, Paul is escorted to Athens, but Silas stays behind with Timothy. Paul was given new areas of outreach in Athens and Corinth, whilst Silas ensures the new Christians are encouraged in the face of opposition. Timothy served God for the first time without Paul by his side and would grow in responsibility. God progresses His work through simple obedience to Christ and the Holy Spirit’s leading and a willingness to be flexible and challenged in service.
Silas and Timothy eventually travel from Macedonia and join Paul in Corinth. Silas’ last mention in Acts is in chapter 18:5. Paul includes Silas (Silvanus) in the opening chapters of 2 Corinthians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. He is written about for the last time in 1 Peter 5:12 where he is associated with Peter’s ministry of establishing Christians in the grace of God. Peter calls him “our faithful brother as I consider him”. A few words can say a lot. We first met Silas in Jerusalem, where he was well known and valued by the apostles. It is fitting that Peter refers to Silas as a faithful brother and adds his personal regard for this devoted servant of God. Silas was faithful to the Saviour whose love reigned in His heart, and he faithfully served His people.
Today many will be thinking of the day the Saviour died at Calvary for us. It is good for us to pause and worship the Son of God and wonder afresh with thankful hearts at His love for each of us and for His Church. Silas encourages us to respond to such love with lives that honour the Lord Jesus Christ by serving His people and witnessing to His Person and work. May we have a deepening knowledge of the love of Christ and all its blessings.
