Silvanus is another name for Silas. In the original Greek, his name appears as “Silas,” but in Latin, it is translated as “Silvanus.” Therefore, Silvanus and Silas refer to the same person in the Scriptures.

The story of Silvanus/Silas is mostly found in the book of Acts. He was one of the two prophets chosen by the elders of the church in Jerusalem to accompany Paul and Barnabas in delivering a letter of agreement to the Gentile churches. This letter was sent after the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15, where the apostles and elders addressed the issue of whether Gentile Christians should follow Jewish law. Silvanus, along with Judas (also called Barsabbas), was sent to deliver this important letter to confirm the church’s stance on the matter (Acts 15:22-23).

After completing their mission in Antioch, where they delivered the letter, Judas returned to Jerusalem, but Silvanus chose to remain with Paul. He joined Paul on his missionary journeys, helping to spread the gospel to the Gentiles.

What do we know about Silvanus (Silas)?

Imprisonment in Philippi:

Silas is most famously known for being imprisoned and beaten alongside Paul in the city of Philippi. According to Acts 16:19-25 (NIV), after Paul cast a demon out of a slave girl, the city officials ordered both Paul and Silas to be beaten and thrown into prison. Despite their suffering, they prayed and sang hymns to God in the prison, and an earthquake miraculously opened the doors, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his family. This event illustrates Silas’s unwavering faith and dedication to God’s mission, even in the face of severe persecution.

Acts 16:25-34 (NIV): “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 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. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’”

Co-author of the Letters to the Thessalonians:
Silas is mentioned as a co-author of the two letters to the Thessalonian church, alongside Paul and Timothy. In

1 Thessalonians 1:1 (NIV), Paul writes:
“Paul, Silas, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.”

This shows Silas’s important role in the early church, contributing to the doctrinal teachings alongside the apostles.

Ministry in Berea:
Silas, along with Paul, continued to preach the gospel in various cities. Acts 17:10 (NIV) records how the brothers in Thessalonica sent Paul and Silas away to Berea to avoid danger from those who opposed their message. In Berea, they preached in the synagogue, and many people believed.

Acts 17:10-11 (NIV): “As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Ministry in Macedonia and Corinth:
Silas also served alongside Paul in Macedonia and Corinth. In Acts 15:40-41 (NIV), after a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, Paul chose Silas as his new companion for his missionary journey. Together, they traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Later, Silas joined Paul in Corinth, where they worked together to preach the gospel and establish the church.

Silvanus as a Messenger of Peter:
In 1 Peter 5:12 (NIV), Silvanus is described as a “faithful brother” and the one who helped Peter write his first epistle. Peter acknowledges Silvanus’s assistance in delivering the letter and testifies to his reliability.

1 Peter 5:12 (NIV): “With the help of Silvanus, 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.”

What can we learn from Silas?

Silas’s life offers several key lessons for Christians today. First, his faithfulness to God and his willingness to suffer for the gospel serve as a powerful example of commitment to Christ. Despite being imprisoned and beaten, Silas did not waver in his devotion to God’s mission. His example challenges believers to remain steadfast in faith, even when faced with trials.

Silas’s actions remind us of Ruth’s loyalty. Just as Ruth chose to stay with Naomi in a foreign land, despite her own hardships, Silas chose to endure suffering and continue spreading the gospel rather than return to the safety of Jerusalem. Both of them displayed a deep commitment to their respective callings, even when it meant facing great personal sacrifice.

In the early church, Silas was an important link between the apostles. He worked with both Peter and Paul, showing a unique ability to serve across different ministries and regions. His service was not limited to one area or one group of apostles; rather, he was a bridge connecting various parts of the early church, always ready to serve wherever needed.

Finally, Silas’s faithfulness in his ministry encourages us to be fully devoted to God’s work. Just as Silas went above and beyond in his service, we too are called to be faithful and diligent in our calling, whatever it may be. Silas shows us that true faithfulness to God is about more than just fulfilling obligations; it’s about giving our whole selves to His mission.

May the Lord give us a heart like Silas’s—ready to fully dedicate ourselves to His service, wherever we are sent, and to go beyond what is expected of us for His glory.

God bless you.

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QUESTION:
Is the Earth round, a sphere, or is it flat like a plate covered by glass at the top?

ANSWER:

Before we answer, it is crucial to understand the nature and purpose of the Bible.
The Bible is not a scientific textbook, nor is it intended to serve as a manual for physics, business, or technology. The Bible’s primary purpose is to reveal the nature, character, and plan of God for humanity and to teach mankind how to live in relationship with Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV):

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

Thus, expecting the Bible to provide detailed explanations about the physical universe, like a science textbook, is a misunderstanding of its purpose. Its focus is spiritual rather than scientific.

Some people try to find business principles such as “demand and supply” or “cash flow” in the Bible. However, the Bible was not designed to teach business economics. For such matters, it is wise to seek formal education. Likewise, scientific principles — like atomic structure, types of rocks, the functions of blood cells, or the invention of medicines — are subjects developed through human investigation and are not explained in Scripture.

It is true that the Bible occasionally mentions aspects of the natural world — but when it does, it is always to illustrate or support a spiritual truth, not to serve as scientific documentation.

Moreover, Scripture makes it clear that worldly wisdom and divine wisdom are very different:

“Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”
(1 Corinthians 1:20, NIV)

In short, God’s wisdom surpasses human reasoning, and human achievements, however great, are limited in light of His divine understanding.

What About Technology and Modern Discoveries?

Many modern technologies — such as the Internet, social media, artificial intelligence, and future innovations — are not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, the Bible prophesied a time when knowledge would rapidly increase:

“But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”
(Daniel 12:4, NIV)

Thus, although specific inventions are not listed, the increase in knowledge and global exploration was foretold long ago.

Now, Returning to the Main Question:

Is the Earth a sphere, a circle, or a flat plate covered by glass?

While the Bible does not give a full scientific description of Earth’s shape, it does provide strong hints.

One key passage is:

“He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy and spreads them out like a tent to live in.”
(Isaiah 40:22, NIV)

The term “circle” used here (Hebrew word: chug) can mean a round shape or spherical form. It implies that the Earth is circular, not flat, and not covered with a physical glass dome.

Additionally, when we consider the physical evidence God has allowed humans to discover through science — through astronomy, satellite imagery, and physics — we now know that the Earth is a sphere (or more accurately, an oblate spheroid).
In God’s providence, human beings have been given the ability to study and understand creation, confirming what Scripture hints at.

Final Reflection:

While scientific discovery is a gift from God, the Bible’s main purpose remains to guide humanity into salvation and a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
We must therefore respect both realms: use science for understanding the natural world and use the Bible for knowing God’s heart and His will for our lives.

May the Lord bless you and lead you into all truth.

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God bless you richly!

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QUESTION: What is the message in

Proverbs 29:5?“A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” 

ANSWER:
Proverbs 29:5 provides a cautionary message about the dangers of flattery.

In biblical theology, flattery is more than just excessive praise; it involves giving false admiration to someone with the hidden agenda of gaining personal benefit. The Bible warns against such behavior because it is manipulative and ultimately harmful.

Flattery is not given out of genuine appreciation but with the ulterior motive of seeking favor, position, or some form of reward. Proverbs 29:5 warns that when you flatter someone, you are essentially setting a trap for them:

“spreading a net for their feet” (Proverbs 29:5, ESV).

The net metaphor here is significant in biblical literature. A net, or snare, symbolizes entrapment and harm. In this context, the flattery is compared to a trap that entices someone to fall into it, leading to their downfall.

Flattery often involves overstating someone’s virtues, exaggerating their good qualities, or even keeping silent about their faults to make them feel good. This false praise is done with the goal of achieving something for oneself—whether it is to be favored, promoted, given special treatment, or to gain influence. The book of Proverbs warns that such actions are deceitful and will only lead to harm, both for the one who is being flattered and the one who is doing the flattering.

Biblical Examples of Flattery’s Danger:

1. King Zedekiah and the False Prophets
   A powerful biblical example is the story of King Zedekiah of Judah, who listened to the false prophets instead of the true prophet, Jeremiah. The false prophets flattered Zedekiah with lies, telling him that God would give him victory and protect Judah, even though their message was not from God. Jeremiah, on the other hand, spoke the truth, warning Zedekiah of God’s judgment. The king refused to listen, and as a result, Judah was destroyed, and Zedekiah’s life was ruined. His eyes were gouged out, and he was taken into exile (Jeremiah 34-41).

   This story exemplifies the danger of listening to those who flatter for personal gain. The false prophets were more interested in maintaining their position of power by pleasing the king, rather than speaking the truth. The tragic result was that Zedekiah fell into a trap, leading to his destruction.

2. King Ahab and the 400 False Prophets
   Another biblical example is King Ahab, who was deceived by 400 false prophets who flattered him by prophesying victory in battle, even though God had already condemned him (1 Kings 22:6-23). Ahab refused to listen to the prophet Micaiah, who spoke the truth, and instead trusted in the flattering words of the false prophets. The result was that Ahab was killed in battle, showing the consequences of relying on false praise and ignoring the truth.

Theological Significance of Proverbs 29:5

In Christian theology, flattery is viewed as a form of deceit that undermines genuine relationships. It distorts the truth and manipulates others for selfish purposes. Proverbs 29:5 serves as a reminder of the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our interactions. Jesus himself spoke against hypocrisy and deceit. In Matthew 23:27 (NIV), He condemned the Pharisees for their outward displays of righteousness while inwardly being corrupt, likening them to whitewashed tombs. This echoes the danger of flattery—it’s an outward show of praise that covers up true intentions, which can be harmful both to the individual and to the community.

The Role of Integrity in the Christian Life

Flattery goes against the biblical call for Christians to live with integrity, honesty, and love. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the need for sincerity in ministry:

“For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.” (1 Thessalonians 2:5, ESV).

Paul emphasizes that his ministry was rooted in sincerity, not in manipulating others for personal gain. The same principle applies in our everyday lives: Christians are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to avoid using others for selfish purposes.

What Can We Learn from Proverbs 29:5?

The Bible does not only warn us about others who may flatter us but also cautions us about engaging in flattery ourselves. While it can be tempting to use flattery to gain favor or avoid conflict, Proverbs 29:5 teaches us that this is ultimately a deceitful practice that leads to harm.

Flattering others may seem harmless at first, but it can lead to destructive consequences, both for the one who is flattered and the one who flatters. When we flatter someone, we may be leading them down a path of pride, false security, or even destruction. In this sense, flattery is not love; true love speaks the truth, even when it’s difficult.

Conclusion

Proverbs 29:5 teaches us to be wary of flattery, whether from others or from ourselves. Flattery is a form of deception that sets traps, and in the end, it leads to harm. The Bible calls us to embrace truth, integrity, and sincerity in our relationships, as exemplified by Jesus and the apostles. Instead of using flattery to manipulate others for personal gain, we are called to love others honestly and sincerely, helping them grow in truth and wisdom.

May the Lord bless you with wisdom and discernment.

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Question: What does Proverbs 27:15 mean by comparing a contentious woman to “a continual dripping on a very rainy day”?

Answer:
In Proverbs 27:15, the phrase “continual dripping” refers to water leaking through a roof during heavy rain. This vivid image is used to describe the discomfort and irritation caused by persistent, unrelenting water dripping inside the house. Living with a contentious woman, according to the Bible, is compared to this situation.

Theological Explanation:

In Proverbs 27:15 (NKJV), “A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.”

The key term here is “contentious” (Hebrew: medinah), meaning argumentative, quarrelsome, or disruptive. It describes someone who creates constant conflict and tension, particularly in a domestic setting. The comparison to a “continual dripping” highlights the constant strain and frustration of dealing with such an individual.

How so?

Living in a house with a leaky roof during a storm can be unbearable. The water drips persistently, and no matter how much you try to move your things to avoid damage, the situation remains unresolved. Over time, the frustration intensifies, leading to a desire to leave the house altogether. This is similar to living with a contentious person—especially a contentious wife in a marriage.

The Bible does not shy away from recognizing the damaging effect of constant strife in a marriage. In

Proverbs 19:13 (NIV), it states, “A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.”

Just like a leaky roof, a contentious wife can undermine the peace and stability of the home, leaving the husband feeling helpless and distressed. Over time, this tension can lead to emotional burnout, and in some cases, separation or divorce.

The Role of Wisdom in Marriage:

King Solomon, the author of Proverbs, had a deep understanding of human relationships, particularly marriage. With his experience of having 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3), Solomon was well-acquainted with the challenges and complexities of marital life. Through his writings, he gives wisdom on how to avoid or remedy the tension that arises from a contentious spirit.

Biblical Teaching on Marriage:

The Bible’s teachings on marriage emphasize love, respect, and mutual submission. A woman’s role is one of support, respect, and gentleness. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul wrote in

Ephesians 5:22-33 (NIV), “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church… However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

This passage points to the importance of mutual love and respect in marriage. A wife is called to respect her husband, while the husband is called to love his wife sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church. This balance is essential for marital harmony.

1 Timothy 2:9-10 (NIV) gives further guidance to women, saying, “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

Here, Paul emphasizes that a woman’s beauty should not be based on outward appearance but rather on a godly character—marked by good works and modesty. This is part of the broader call to godliness that includes a spirit of gentleness and peace, which are vital in fostering peaceful relationships.

The Gentle and Quiet Spirit:

1 Peter 3:1-6 (NIV) speaks about the importance of a gentle and quiet spirit for a Christian woman, saying, “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”

This passage speaks to the power of a wife’s conduct in influencing her husband’s heart. It also highlights that true beauty in a woman comes not from external adornments but from the inner character—a “gentle and quiet spirit,” which is described as “very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4).

The Impact of a Quarrelsome Spirit:

A quarrelsome spirit can be incredibly destructive, both to the individual and to those around them. In

Proverbs 21:9 (NIV), it says, “Better to live in a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”

This verse reflects the wisdom of avoiding conflict that disrupts peace and stability in a home. A contentious wife, through her constant arguing, creates an environment of tension and discomfort, much like a leaky roof that will not allow for peace or rest.

Conclusion:

The scriptures teach that marriage is designed to reflect the love, respect, and unity that God desires for His people. A wife’s role is to support her husband with respect and a gentle spirit. When a woman lives out these biblical principles, she contributes to a peaceful and thriving home. In contrast, a contentious spirit—like a leaking roof—can cause ongoing turmoil that harms relationships and disrupts peace.

By adhering to these biblical teachings, women can create an atmosphere of respect and peace in their homes, rather than strife. As

1 Peter 3:4 (NIV) reminds us, “The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God’s sight.”

May we all seek to live in a way that honors God, fosters peace, and strengthens our relationships.

Be blessed

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