Silas, or Silvanus, Scourged at Philippi, in the Year 70

Silas, also called Silvanus, together with Judas, surnamed Barsabas, was added to the apostles Paul and Barnabas. These men were leaders among the brothers, and they were to bear witness to the matters which the apostles at Jerusalem had considered and decided, for the welfare of the church of God. Acts 15, verses 27 and 34.

When this Silas had once furthered, with Paul, the work of the holy Gospel at Philippi, in Macedonia, he was arrested together with Paul, brought before the rulers, publicly scourged, though without a trial, and, thus abused, cast into prison, against right and reason, with his feet made fast in the stocks; but he was miraculously delivered by divine Providence, an earthquake at midnight opening the doors of the prison. Acts 16, verses 19 to 39.

According to the statements of some writers, he afterwards became bishop of the church at Corinth, and died a martyr after having done much preaching. This much is certain, according to the testimony of Holy Scripture, that he was not only arrested and scourged for the Gospel's sake, but suffered many indignities before his end. A. Mell., 1st Book, van de Hist. der vervolg., folio 18, column 1. [n113-1]