Boy New Testament Known
Silas
three, or the third
Σίλας Silas
Silas (Greek: Σίλας, Silas) means “three, or the third”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 17 verses across 5 books of the Bible. In 2025 it was given to 4,646 children in the United States, ranking 71. Use is rising. Around 75,649 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears in the same passages as Damaris.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Silas
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 17 across 5 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 4,646 | Rising |
| All-time total | 75,649 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 4,646 in 2025 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | TX | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Acts 15:22 |
| Last appears | 1 Peter 5:12 |
| Cross-references | 572 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Judas co-occurrence Appears with Judas in Acts 15.
- Timothy co-occurrence Appears with Timothy in Acts 17.
- Saul co-occurrence Appears with Saul in Acts 17.
- Paul co-occurrence Appears with Paul in Acts 17.
- Javan co-occurrence Appears with Javan in Acts 17.
- Damaris co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Damaris.
- Dionysius co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Dionysius.
- Justus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Justus.
Origin & meaning
Σίλας, -α (accusative to BL, § 29, W-Schm., 74, -ᾶς, -ᾶ), ὁ (Aram. שׁאִילָא; see Dalman, Gr., 157.5),
Silas (called also Σιλουανός, which see): Act.15:22, 27 15:32, 34 15:40 16:19, 25 16:29 17:4, 10 17:14-15 18:5 †
(AS)
Silas (or Silvanus) was a prominent member of the Jerusalem church who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey and co-wrote some of his epistles.
The biblical story
Silas, also known as Silvanus, was a significant figure in the early Christian church, particularly in his role as a companion of the apostle Paul. He is first mentioned in Act.15.22 as a prominent member of the Jerusalem church, along with Judas Barsabbas, chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to deliver the decision of the Jerusalem Council regarding Gentile believers.
Described as a prophet (Act.15.32), Silas played a vital role in encouraging and strengthening the churches. After parting ways with Barnabas, Paul chose Silas as his new companion for his second missionary journey (Act.15.40). Together, they traveled through Syria, Cilicia, and various cities in Asia Minor, preaching the gospel and establishing churches.
In Philippi, Paul and Silas were imprisoned for their ministry but were miraculously freed by an earthquake (Act.16.19-40). They continued their journey, ministering in Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth (Act.17.1-18:5). Silas remained with Paul in Corinth for an extended period, helping him establish the church there.
In addition to his missionary work, Silas is also mentioned as a co-author of some of Paul's epistles, specifically 1 and 2 Thessalonians (1Th.1.1; 2Th.1.1). He is also referred to as Silvanus in 2Co.1.19 and 1Pe.5.12, where he is described as a faithful brother.
Silas' dedication to the gospel, his leadership in the early church, and his partnership with Paul make him an important figure in the spread of Christianity during the first century.
Key verses
Silas appears in 17 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
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 -
We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
Acts 15:27 -
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
Acts 15:32 -
Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
Acts 15:34 -
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
Acts 15:40
Show all 17 references
Acts (13)
- Acts 15:22
- Acts 15:27
- Acts 15:32
- Acts 15:34
- Acts 15:40
- Acts 16:19
- Acts 16:25
- Acts 16:29
- Acts 17:4
- Acts 17:10
- Acts 17:14
- Acts 17:15
- Acts 18:5
2 Corinthians (1)
- 2 Corinthians 1:19
1 Thessalonians (1)
- 1 Thessalonians 1:1
2 Thessalonians (1)
- 2 Thessalonians 1:1
1 Peter (1)
- 1 Peter 5:12
Name variants & nicknames
- Silvanus — called Silvanus in the Epistles