<aside> 👉

Download these notes here:

Silas (Session 3).pdf

</aside>

Are Silas and Silvanus Two or One?

I. Introduction to the Question

• Explanation of the apparent dual names: Silas vs. Silvanus.
• Importance of determining identity for biblical clarity and church history.

II. Linguistic Considerations

• Silas (Σίλας) is used in Acts — a Greek environment.
• Silvanus is a Latin name used in Paul’s epistles and 1 Peter.
• No strict etymological derivation, but usage suggests equivalence.
  • Cephas/Peter, John/Mark.
• Silas may be a shortened form or Hellenized version of Silvanus.

III. Contextual Evidence

• Both names appear in reference to:
  • A close companion of Paul (Acts 15–18; 2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1).
  • A trusted coworker who ministers in Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth.
  • A possibly trusted courier or secretary for Peter (1 Peter 5:12).
• No other figures named Silas or Silvanus appear separately in the New Testament.

IV. Church Tradition and Scholarly Consensus

• Early church fathers (e.g., Jerome, Eusebius) treat them as the same person.
• No known tradition distinguishes them as separate individuals.
• Universal scholarly agreement that Silas = Silvanus.

V. Conclusion

• On the basis of linguistics, context, and tradition, Silas and Silvanus are one and the same.