St. Silas Epistle

History

The Church offers Christians and pastors in particular much encouragement this time of year by the string of faithful examples she sets before us on the sanctoral calendar. Following the commemorations of Timothy, Paul, and Titus in late January comes St. Silas on February 10^th ,one more pastor who was integral to the early Church and her mission to all peoples. Silas’ work for his Lord cannot be understated, and tradition holds that he might have even gone on to be the first bishop of Corinth, but any verifiable information about most of his life and how earlier Christians might have celebrated his day are limited.

Nevertheless, we do have two suggestions for commemorating St. Silas, even if there appears to be a lack of historical customs surrounding his day. First, we suggest that the same or a similar tradition to the one we’ve proposed for St. Titus is appropriate: consider making a Greek dish such as Pastitsio or Spanakopita, remembering that Silas brought the Gospel to many lands around the Mediterranean.

The second idea, into which we will go more in depth, takes its cue from the fact that Silas (a.k.a. Silvanus) assisted Peter as a scribe and wrote the epistle of 1 Peter (1 Peter 5:12). As a scribe, Silas not only recorded but also, in a sense, assumed Peter’s message through the act of writing. So, too, Christians partake in the Biblical writers’ art when they write letters of encouragement and exhortation at the same time they take it upon themselves to foster the love of Christ through word and instruction. Of course, the nature of our letters differs vastly from the inspired words of the apostles. But what we mean to say is that one way to imitate Paul (or Silas), and therefore Christ, is to build each other up with encouragement (1 Thess. 4:11), and what better way is there to encourage than to write in light of God’s word?

So today, St. Silas’ Day, consider reading the five chapters that make up 1 Peter and select some theme that sticks out to you to write and expand upon for a friend’s, godchild’s, or mother’s encouragement.

Letter of Encouragement in Suffering

St. Peter writes to the elect exiles of the dispersion, those Christians who have been displaced and are suffering for the faith they now hold. Each of us knows someone who is suffering in some way, possibly even for the sake of the Gospel, whether through job loss, persecution for affirming God’s truth, or in some other manner. For those in such circumstances, hear what Peter has to say to Christians undergoing this kind of trial:

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:14-17).

And again:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 3:12-13)

Letter from a Baptismal Sponsor to Godchild

It is a godparent’s duty to pray for their godchild, and this can be done through writing the prayer for them, and possibly even sending it to them directly. In chapter 1, Peter shares his prayer and exhortation for the baptized: they have received the inheritance as sons and now call God “Father,” have been washed in his spotless blood, and therefore ought to live as those who are holy:

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy…Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God (1 Peter 14-15, 22-23).

Letter of Encouragement to a Mother

While there are so many themes through the book of 1 Peter, we will offer one final example, and that is to meditate upon the wisdom Peter offers to women, how this might shape your own life and thinking, and perhaps be a source of urging on others to good works. Whether wedded to faithful husbands or unfaithful, all women have the opportunity to conduct themselves in pure and respectable ways, with a gentle and quiet spirit, and after the likeness of Sarah as St. Peter describes:

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. (1 Peter 3:1-6)

We hope that the words of St. Peter, written by the hand of Silas, encourage you toward Godly reflection and perhaps even give words so that you might encourage a brother or sister in the faith.

Images:
1. St John dictating to Prochorus, source: https://taylormarshall.com/2015/01/secretaries-peter-paul.html