SILAS - AN EXAMPLE TO ALL CHRISTIANS

By Matt Allen

Often, when we think of great characters in the Bible, we think of famous and well known men who sacrificed all for the will of the Lord. Perhaps Paul, Stephan. Peter, and John from the New Testament are some of the first men we think of. Or perhaps Old Testament characters come to mind: Noah, Moses, Elijah, David and Solomon are just a few of the most well known men in the Bible.

There can be much to gain from conducting a character  study of each of these men. For example, is our dedication as strong as theirs? Does our faith compare to what we read about them? Would we be willing  to sacrifice as they? Is the cause of Christ as real to us as much as it was to them? Would/ is God pleased with the way that we currently lead our lives? These are serious questions we need to ask ourselves from time to time. Studying characters of the Bible can be a good thing. Remember, Paul told us in 1 Cor. 11:1  to "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. "

Silas was a New Testament Bible character that is perhaps not as well known as the ones mentioned above. But we do know that he was an important member of the first century church. From Acts 15:40, we find he traveled with Paul on his second missionary journey. It is in the book of Acts that we read of how Silas encouraged and strengthened brethren throughout Asia Minor. (Acts 15:32) Certainly he was a man that is worthy of our consideration- 

Silas was dependable and someone who could be trusted. In Acts 15:22 we find that the church at Jerusalem chose Silas and Barnabas to go to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas to settle a problem concerning circumcision. There was a mission to accomplish and the apostles, elders, and the even the entire congregation at Jerusalem knew they would do what they set out to do. They could be depended upon. When it comes to duties to the Lord's church can you be depended upon? If you are chosen to teach a Bible class, lead prayer, lead singing, etc. can others know that you will be there doing your part for the Lord?

Silas was a worker. As already mentioned, Silas traveled with Paul on his second missionary journey. This missionary journey almost cost the lives of Paul and Silas in Philippi (Acts 16: 16-24), and Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9). As one reads Acts 15:40-18:22 one will find that Silas was involved in the work of the Lord. He was willing to sacrifice everything so that the cause of Christ would be glorified. Are you a worker for the Lord? Is the work of the Lord priority one in your life? Many children of the Lord find themselves caught up in all kinds of activities that take them away from doing work for the Lord. In the eighties there was a popular song called, "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" To coin a phrase, what have you done for the Lord lately? Would you be willing to sacrifice as Silas so that people would be able to hear the gospel and be strengthened therein?

The influence of Silas was felt -even by the apostle Paul. In Acts 18:5 we find that Silas and Timothy returned to Paul from Macedonia. Because of their return and support of him, he was compelled to preach to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. Sometimes Christians have a tendency to discredit their own worth and efforts put forth for Christ. The fact is, we know not oftentimes who is looking up to us for support and encouragement. Our influence can be so important. Influence is not a little thing. Practically everyone has someone they look up to for guidance. Each one of us is important. Be sure to watch your influence and remember every person can influence someone for good.

Silas had a tremendous faith in the Lord. In Acts 16:16-24 we read they had been handed over to the authorities because they "exceedingly trouble our city and they teach us customs which are not lawful for us..."(v. 20-21) In v. 24 we find them imprisoned in the inner prison and their feet in stocks. What a depressing situation. All hope seems to be lost. What is their attitude during this? Read v. 25. Praying & singing hymns to God during such a time is evidence they knew with God all things are possible. (Mt. 19:26) Certainly their faith was strong. What a lesson for us. Ultimately we know they were delivered from this predicament, plus the jailer and his family were saved later that night. (Acts 16:25-34)

Unlike Demas whom we read of in 2 Tim. 4:10 who was faithful to start with but later forsook Christianity - Silas is mentioned as being faithful in every place we find his name in the NT. See 2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5: 12. What a great lesson for us. Would God be able to say the same about you or me? Silas was a man whom we should consider worthy of following.   Certainly he followed Christ to the best of his ability.

Jesus told us in Rev. 2:10 to be faithful unto death and we will receive the crown of life. Let us make the commitment now to be dependable, a worker who is willing to sacrifice, have a good influence, and be faithful no matter what comes our way.