Bible Questions and Answers

Why was Silas a better partner for Paul at this stage of his career than Barnabas?         

Easton’s Revised Bible Dictionary

Silas - Wood, a prominent member of the church at Jerusalem; also called Silvanus. He and Judas, surnamed Barsabas, were chosen by the church there to accompany Paul and Barnabas on their return to Antioch from the council of the apostles and elders #Ac 15:22 as bearers of the decree adopted by the council. He assisted Paul there in his evangelistic labours, and was also chosen by him to be his companion on his second missionary tour #Ac 16:19-24 He is referred to in the epistles under the name of Silvanus #2Co 1:19 1Th 1:1 2Th 1:1 1Pe 5:12 There is no record of the time or place of his death.

Paul, unwilling to take John Mark along with Barnabas, splits from the latter and chooses Silas to be his companion

Acts 15:40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

We are not told that Silas was a better partner for Paul, nor given a reason why; so any answer is a matter of conjecture.

We might suppose the following:

1. Silas was a prominent member of the church at Jerusalem and carried the authority of that church, should any doubt Paul’s credential.

Acts 15:22 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 15:27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

2. He was a chosen witness with Paul that the gentiles were not to be circumcised or to observe the Law of Moses.

Acts 15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

3. Silas had the gift of prophecy

Acts 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

4. Silas, like Paul, was both a Jew and a Roman citizen

Acts 17:10  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Acts 16:37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans,

I hope you find this helpful.

God bless,
Glenn