Silas (also called Silvanus) was a "leading man among the brethren" in Jerusalem (Acts 15:22) and a prophet (Acts 15:32). After the Jerusalem Council, he and Judas Barsabbas were chosen to carry the council's letter to the Gentile churches. When Paul and Barnabas split over John Mark, Paul chose Silas as his new traveling companion for the second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). The partnership proved providential. Silas was a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37), which became important when he and Paul were illegally beaten and imprisoned in Philippi. At midnight in a Philippian jail, bound in stocks with bloody backs, Paul and Silas "were praying and singing hymns to God" (Acts 16:25). An earthquake opened the prison, the jailer almost killed himself thinking they had escaped, and by morning Paul and Silas had led the jailer and his household to Christ. Silas continued with Paul through Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth, then appears again in Peter's first epistle (1 Peter 5:12) as the one who "I have written to you briefly" — suggesting Silas served as Peter's amanuensis (secretary) near the end of his life. Silas is a model of the faithful second-man: he is never the lead apostle, but he is present at every major moment and ready to sing at midnight. The church runs on men like Silas.
Acts 15:40-41 — "But Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."
Acts 16:25 — "But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them."
2 Corinthians 1:19 — "For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us — by me, Silvanus, and Timothy — was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes."
1 Peter 5:12 — "By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly."