Many times, the contributors of assistants or associates are significant. Somehow, they are in the shadows and soon forgotten. The status given to the missionary team of Paul and Barnabas is not given to Paul and Silas. Silas’s contribution to the early church inspires people of God even today.
Leader, Prophet and Teacher: Silas was one of the key leaders of the New Testament Church. Silas was a leading member of the Jerusalem church, gifted with prophecy. (Acts 15:22; 16:25) He was a teacher, missionary with Paul, and had prophetic gifts. Many believers were edified by his prophetic gifts. Silas was also a preacher, along with Paul, in the missionary journeys, and one of the cities was Corinth. (II Corinthians 1:19)
Trusted messenger: The Jerusalem Council under James chairmanship that Gentiles need not undergo circumcision, but should refrain from eating meat with blood, adultery, etc. As a trustworthy leader, Silas was chosen to convey the decisions to the Antioch church. (Acts 15: 22)
Paul chooses Silas
As they planned for the Second Missionary Journey, Paul and Barnabas had a dispute over whether to take John Mark back in the team. They separated, Barnabas decided to take John Mark, while Paul recruited Silas. (Acts 15: 36-41) Paul Silas ministered in Syria, Cilicia, Lystra, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, etc. (Acts 16:19-24; 18:1-11; I Thessalonians 2:2; II Corinthians 1:19)
Suffering for Christ: Silas, with Paul, were thrown in prison in Philippi. (Acts 16:25) God used that suffering and glory to draw the jailor and his household to Himself.
Co-author: Silas functioned as a scribe for the Apostles. Along with Paul and Peter, he co-authored the two letters to the Thessalonians and the first letter of Peter. (I Thessalonians 1:1; I Peter 5:12)
Fearless leader: Silas was willing to risk his life for the sake of the gospel. (Acts 15:26) Though Silas heard from the testimonies of Paul and Barnabas in the Jerusalem Council, and understood how dangerous it is to take the gospel to other regions, he willingly came forward to preach the gospel.
Am I like Silas engaged in the Kingdom of God?