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

I preached a message on Silvanus, or Silas as we know him. He was a faithful preacher of the gospel in Jerusalem. He had shown such great faith the leaders asked him to travel to Antioch to encourage the leaders there by confirming the message that was being preached in Jerusalem, that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God and circumcision was not required for salvation. That Gentiles were saved the same way we all are saved, by faith and belief in Jesus. He gladly went and without hesitation confirmed the faith. He was courageous and bold in his testimony.

He was asked by the leaders in Jerusalem to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch and given letters from Jerusalem leaders confirming their message. They must have seen something in him that demonstrated commitment and dedication to be selected to go.

The subject of my message centered around the idea that Paul and Barnabas had a falling out over John Mark and so after their first missionary journey they went separate ways. Barnabas chose Mark and Paul then selected Silas to join him on his next journey. Silas wasn’t Paul’s first choice and wasn’t the same man as Paul. Many of us can feel unimportant or less than when we begin to compare ourselves with others. Silas, I don’t believe, let that bother him. Silas was his own man and didn’t stand or walk behind Paul but walked beside him as both Followed Christ. He didn’t mimic Paul but rather reflected the Spirit of God that dwelt within him. In prison the Bible states that Paul AND Silas praised God and sang hymns at midnight. This wasn’t a man wanting to be like Paul but a man consciously choosing to praise his Savior in one of the most difficult times of his ministry.

Silas along with Paul wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians, he was scribe for Peter and no doubt led countless people to a saving knowledge of Christ. He truly followed Jesus.

When he drew his last breath here, I’m convinced he heard the words, “well done my good and faithful servant.”

It is great to have godly examples and leaders to show us the way, and I thank God for Paul’s life of dedication but never forget God created you just the way you are and will lead you in His path for His glory. You will answer only to Him according to your faithfulness to Him. So, the final thought is this, Follow Jesus!