Once, when New York Philharmonic conductor Leonard Bernstein was asked what is the most difficult instrument in the orchestra to play, he replied: “second fiddle.” How difficult it is to play regularly in the shadow of the concert master! Paul Silas was the second violin for the entire second and third missionary journey.
Silas is a mysterious biblical character. It must have been outstanding for the leaders of Jerusalem appointed him to accompany Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch after the conference on Circumcision. Luke (the Acts), says he was a prophet, and arriving at Antioch, said much to encourage and strengthen the brethren “(Acts 15:32).
In Acts 16-18, Silas has become an important figure in the drama, joining Paul on his second missionary journey, which remain in Macedonia to feed infants spiritual Paul was forced to leave too soon. After that, Silas, mysteriously slipped out of sight. Luke never mentions it again in the laws, nor the letters of Paul, after those early years.
Silas must be kept on behind the scenes, where he probably made a big difference. It ‘emerged only once, when the observations of Peter, “With the help of Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I wrote …” (1 Peter 5:12). Some researchers believe was Silas who gave Peter his first language eloquent. Second Peter approximate grammar and wording that more closely resemble what you’d expect from a fisherman like Simon Peter’s school.
Paul Silas made without this man? Would all of his “gig” was beautiful, or have even taken place at all? It ’s hard to say. Because Silas was ready to play second fiddle, harmonies strengthened contrapuntal melodies of Paul, the creation of a pair of long life for the glory of God God, give us more men and women, with humility and dedication of Silas!
