Silas in the Bible — Paul's Companion in Prison and on Mission

Silas (also called Silvanus) was a prophet and leading man in the Jerusalem church, chosen to deliver the apostolic letter from the Jerusalem Council to Antioch. He became Paul's travel companion after the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. Together they were beaten and imprisoned in Philippi — where at midnight they prayed and sang hymns. An earthquake opened all the doors. The jailer, about to kill himself, was stopped by Paul: 'Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.' The jailer and his entire household were baptized that night. Below are 6 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about silas?

Who is Silas in the Bible? A prophet and leader in the Jerusalem church who became Paul's second missionary partner — praising God in a Philippian prison at midnight when an earthquake broke their chains. Silas's faith under pressure changed a jailer's eternity.

6 Bible Verses About Silas (KJV)

“Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:”

Acts 15:22 KJV Read Acts chapter 15 →

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”

Acts 16:25 KJV Read Acts chapter 16 →

“But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.”

Acts 16:28 KJV Read Acts chapter 16 →

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Acts 16:31 KJV Read Acts chapter 16 →

“And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”

Acts 16:33 KJV Read Acts chapter 16 →

“By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.”

1 Peter 5:12 KJV — The Prayer of Faith Shall Save the Sick Read 1 Peter chapter 5 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Silas in the Bible

What does the Bible say about silas?
Silas (also called Silvanus) was a prophet and leading man in the Jerusalem church, chosen to deliver the apostolic letter from the Jerusalem Council to Antioch. He became Paul's travel companion after the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. Together they were beaten and imprisoned in Philippi — where at midnight they prayed and sang hymns. An earthquake opened all the doors. The jailer, about to kill himself, was stopped by Paul: 'Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.' The jailer and his entire household were baptized that night. Key KJV passages: Acts 15:22, Acts 16:25, Acts 16:28, Acts 16:31, Acts 16:33.
What are the best Bible verses about silas?
The most important KJV passages on silas include: Acts 15:22, Acts 16:25, Acts 16:28, Acts 16:31, Acts 16:33. Read all 6 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about silas?
The Bible addresses silas throughout both Testaments. Key references include Acts 15:22, Acts 16:25, Acts 16:28, Acts 16:31, Acts 16:33, 1 Peter 5:12. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.org.
What does the New Testament say about silas?
New Testament scriptures on silas: Acts 15:22, Acts 16:25, Acts 16:28, Acts 16:31. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
How do I study Bible verses about silas?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 6 passages on silas at thelivingsword.org — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.