Bible Soundbites
Monday, 29 September 2008 00:00 | and posted in Silas
Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, who were leaders among the believers. Acts 15:22
Often as churches we can try and hold on to our best leaders and we can be absolutely dismayed when we hear they are moving away. The early church in Jerusalem recognised the need to share some of their best leaders, like Judas and Silas, with others. This meant other congregations got to benefit from their gifts and experience, but it also gave space for new leaders to emerge too.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008 00:00 | and posted in Silas
Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. Acts 15:32
People get nervous around prophets – they know all my sinful secrets, is a common feeling – yet prophets speak out of love for our strengthening, encouragement and comfort. Through prophecy God is seeking to build us up not tear us down. Because prophecy strengthens the Church, God tells us to eagerly desire this gift.* Are you desiring the gift of prophecy?
* Check out 1 Corinthians 14:1
Wednesday, 01 October 2008 00:00 | and posted in Silas
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25
Paul and Silas had just been stripped naked and flogged in the centre of a public marketplace and then thrown into prison. Yet here they are praying and singing to God. For these guys their worship is not defined by their circumstances, but by who God is. What would it take to stop you from praising God?
Thursday, 02 October 2008 00:00 | and posted in Silas
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose. Acts 16:26
I think I would have made a dash for it… I think I would have assumed that God wanted me to escape. But not Paul and Silas! The circumstances said “escape”, yet their love for others demanded that they stay. In so doing their jailor doesn’t commit suicide and instead he and his whole family come to Jesus. Does love or circumstance compel you most?
Friday, 03 October 2008 00:00 | and posted in Silas
When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. Acts 18:5
This verse sums up the value of teamwork very succinctly. Silas and Timothy’s arrival in Macedonia enables Paul to devote his full time to what he’s gifted at, while his friends, presumably, take over what doing what Paul wasn’t good at doing. Teamwork at its best frees each member of a team to operate out of their own strengths.
Saturday, 04 October 2008 00:00 | and posted in Silas
Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 1 Thessalonians 1:1
Did you know Silas was one of the authors of the New Testament? I have to admit I had missed that interesting tidbit of info too! It’s so easy to think that Paul wrote alone, perhaps because that’s how we’d write a letter or email nowadays, but Silas helped write both letters to the Thessalonian church. The New Testament witness is one of constant teamwork… how well do you work with others?
Sunday, 05 October 2008 00:00 | and posted in Silas
With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 1 Peter 5:12
Silas was obviously a good guy to have around when you were trying to compose a letter! Not only did he help Paul write some of his letters, he also helped Peter write one of his too. It was because of Silas’ faithfulness and encouraging nature that made people like Peter and Paul want to work alongside him. Who are the people in your own life who you enjoy working alongside and why?