Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
SI'LAS, Acts 15:40. contracted from SILVA'NUS (woody), 2 Cor 1:19, is called one of the chief of the brethren. Acts 15:22, and a faithful brother. 1 Pet 5:12. He is supposed to have been a native of Antioch, and a member of the Christian church there. Acts 15:37-41. He was the associate of Paul in several of his missionary tours, and his fellow-prisoner at Philippi. Acts 15:40; Acts 16:25, Acts 16:29; Acts 17:4, John 17:10, Lev 17:15. He is called a prophet, Acts 15:32, but what was the precise nature of this office in the days of the apostles is not clear.