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Silas

Silas was a prominent early Christian leader, prophet, and missionary in the New Testament, best known as a faithful companion to the Apostle Paul during his second missionary journey throughout Asia Minor and Greece.^[1]^[2] Also referred to as Silvanus in Paul's epistles, he played a key role in communicating the decisions of the Jerusalem Council to Gentile churches and in strengthening believers through exhortation and prophecy.^[1]^[2] Possibly born in Rome, Silas was a Hellenistic Jew and Roman citizen who emerged as a respected figure in the Jerusalem church.^[3] He was selected alongside Judas Barsabbas to deliver the Council's decree on Gentile inclusion to the church in Antioch, where they "exhorted and strengthened the brothers" (Acts 15:22, 32).^[2] After Judas returned to Jerusalem, Silas chose to remain in Antioch and later joined Paul as a replacement for Barnabas, embarking on missionary travels that included preaching in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth.^[1]^[2] One of Silas's most notable episodes occurred in Philippi, where he and Paul were imprisoned, beaten, and confined in stocks for casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl; yet, at midnight, they prayed and sang hymns, leading to an earthquake that freed them and resulted in the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household (Acts 16:19–34).^[1]^[2] Silas also assisted Paul in regions like Thessalonica, where some prominent women and Greeks believed their message (Acts 17:4), and in Corinth, where he rejoined Paul to testify about Christ (Acts 18:5).^[2] Later, Silas is mentioned as a co-sender of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1) and as a reliable scribe or associate of the Apostle Peter, who called him a "faithful brother" in 1 Peter 5:12.^[1]^[2] His life exemplifies resilience, loyalty, and dedication to spreading the Gospel amid persecution.^[1]

Etymology and Identity

Name Origins

Catholic biblical scholar Joseph A. Fitzmyer identifies the name Silas in the New Testament as the Grecized rendering of the Aramaic form Seila (שְׁאִילָא), a variant of the Hebrew name Sha'ul (שָׁאוּל), meaning "asked of God" or "petitioner," from the root verb sha'al ("to ask" or "to pray for").^[4] This etymology reflects common Jewish naming conventions in the Second Temple period, where names often expressed petitionary themes related to divine favor or supplication.^[5] The Aramaic Seila is attested in Palmyrene inscriptions from the 1st century CE, providing onomastic evidence for its use among Aramaic-speaking Jewish communities in the Near East.^[4] In the Greek text of the New Testament, specifically Acts 15–18, the name appears consistently as Silas (Σίλας), a shortened or adapted form that aligns with Hellenistic transliteration practices for Semitic names in the diaspora.^[4] This adaptation facilitated its use in a bilingual Greco-Roman context while preserving the underlying Aramaic-Hebrew root. Scholarly debate persists on whether Silas functioned as a Greek nickname for a more formal Jewish name like Seila or Sha'ul, or as a short form of the Latin Silvanus (meaning "of the forest"), with 1st-century onomastic evidence from epigraphic sources in Palestine and Syria supporting the prevalence of such dual-naming among Hellenized Jews.^[4]^[6] Fitzmyer and others argue this reflects broader patterns of name variation in early Christian and Jewish communities, where Semitic names were routinely Hellenized for wider accessibility.^[4] It is sometimes viewed as the Greek counterpart to the Latin Silvanus.^[7]

Relation to Silvanus

The name Silvanus, a common Roman cognomen derived from the Latin silva meaning "wood" or "forest," translates to "of the woods" or "forest dweller," reflecting its association with wooded areas and the Roman deity of forests.^[8] This nomenclature was adopted by Hellenized Jews in the Roman Empire, who often integrated Latin or Greek equivalents alongside their traditional names to navigate multicultural environments.^[9] In the New Testament, the figure is referred to as Silas exclusively in the narrative portions of Acts (e.g., Acts 15:22–40; 16:19–40; 17:4–15; 18:5), where the Greek form Σίλας (Silas) appears 13 times, while Silvanus (Σιλουανός) is used in the more formal epistolary contexts of Paul's letters (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:19) and 1 Peter 5:12.^[10] This distinction aligns with stylistic differences: the vivid, story-driven Greek of Acts favors the shorter, Aramaic-influenced Silas (possibly derived from the Aramaic Šĕʾīlāʾ, meaning "asked for"), whereas the epistles employ the fuller Latinized Silvanus for official correspondence.^[9] Early patristic writers, including Jerome (c. 340–420 CE), explicitly identified Silas and Silvanus as the same individual, a consensus echoed in subsequent Christian scholarship based on contextual overlaps in their missionary activities.^[11] The use of dual names like Silas/Silvanus exemplifies a widespread practice among 1st-century Jewish diaspora communities, where individuals bore a Semitic or Aramaic name in religious settings and a Greco-Roman equivalent in public or administrative ones to facilitate integration.^[12] This onomastic duality is evidenced by epigraphic findings from Asia Minor, such as bilingual Jewish inscriptions from sites like Aphrodisias and Sardis, which record individuals with both Hebrew/Aramaic and Hellenized or Latinized forms, reflecting cultural adaptation without assimilation.^[13]

Biblical Role

Ministry in Jerusalem

Silas emerged as a prominent figure in the early Christian community in Jerusalem, described in the New Testament as one of the "leading men among the brethren" and recognized as a prophet.^[14] During the Jerusalem Council, convened around AD 49 to address disputes over the inclusion of Gentile converts, the apostles, elders, and the whole church selected Silas, along with Judas called Barsabbas, to accompany Paul and Barnabas as authoritative representatives.^[15] This choice underscored Silas's established leadership and prophetic status within the Jerusalem church, positioning him to help resolve the critical debate on whether Gentiles needed to observe the Mosaic law for salvation.^[14] As part of his role at the council, Silas was entrusted with delivering the official decree to the churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, affirming the decision that Gentile believers were not required to be circumcised but should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, blood, strangled animals, and sexual immorality. The letter explicitly noted that Silas and Judas would confirm these instructions verbally upon arrival, highlighting his authority to interpret and apply the council's rulings in communal settings.^[14] This mission not only disseminated the council's consensus but also reinforced Silas's communal function in bridging Jewish and Gentile factions, promoting unity amid theological tensions.^[16] Upon reaching Antioch, Silas, together with Judas, fulfilled his prophetic duties by exhorting and strengthening the believers with many words, encouraging steadfastness in the faith as outlined by the council. Their joint ministry emphasized encouragement and edification, drawing on Silas's prophetic gifts to bolster the church's resolve against ongoing circumcision advocates.^[14] After Judas returned to Jerusalem, Silas chose to stay in Antioch (Acts 15:34). This exhortation marked a pivotal aspect of Silas's early leadership in Jerusalem, focusing on spiritual upliftment within the core Christian assembly before his later involvement in broader missionary efforts.

Companionship with Paul

After the Jerusalem Council, Paul selected Silas as his companion for the second missionary journey, replacing Barnabas following a sharp disagreement over including John Mark in the travels.^[17] Departing from Antioch around AD 50, they journeyed through Syria and Cilicia, delivering the council's decisions and strengthening the churches in those regions by encouraging adherence to the apostolic teachings.^[17] This partnership emphasized collaborative evangelism, with Silas serving as a co-preacher and key supporter in Paul's mission to expand the gospel beyond Jewish communities.^[14] The duo continued eastward to Derbe and Lystra, where they encountered Timothy, a young disciple of mixed Jewish-Greek heritage whose reputation among the believers prompted Paul to circumcise him for effective ministry among Jews.^[18] As they traveled onward, Paul and Silas proclaimed the word in the Phrygian and Galatian regions, though the Holy Spirit prevented them from entering Asia or Bithynia, redirecting their path through Mysia to Troas.^[18] There, a vision of a Macedonian man imploring aid confirmed God's call to preach in Europe, marking a pivotal expansion of their evangelistic efforts with Silas actively participating in the preaching and church fortification.^[17] In Macedonia, Paul and Silas arrived at Philippi, establishing the first European church through targeted outreach, including the baptism of Lydia and her household as foundational converts.^[17] Proceeding to Thessalonica, they reasoned from the Scriptures in the synagogue over three Sabbaths, persuading a number of Jews, devout Greeks, and prominent women to join the faith, despite emerging opposition from local Jewish leaders. In Berea, Silas accompanied Paul to the synagogue, where the locals nobly examined the Scriptures daily to verify their message, resulting in many believers before Thessalonian agitators forced their departure.^[17] Their mission extended into Greece, with Paul addressing Athenian philosophers on the Areopagus, referencing local poets to proclaim the unknown God and the resurrection, though the response was mixed. Silas and Timothy later rejoined Paul in Corinth around AD 51, where the team devoted themselves to preaching Jesus as the Messiah, first in the synagogue and then among Gentiles after Jewish rejection. Over 18 months, they built a vibrant community amid opposition, including the conversion of synagogue leader Crispus and many Corinthians who heard and believed, solidifying the church's foundation through persistent evangelistic work.^[17]

Imprisonment and Miracles

In the city of Philippi, during their second missionary journey, Paul and Silas encountered a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination who followed them, proclaiming them as servants of the Most High God who proclaimed a way of salvation. This public disruption, though truthful, annoyed Paul, who cast out the spirit in the name of Jesus Christ, rendering her unable to perform her owners' fortune-telling services and inciting economic loss for her masters. The owners, seizing the opportunity to exploit anti-Roman sentiments, accused Paul and Silas of advocating unlawful customs as Jews, leading to their arrest by the authorities who, without a trial, ordered them beaten with rods and thrown into the inner prison with their feet fastened in stocks, despite their status as Roman citizens entitled to legal protections. This episode highlighted the perils of early Christian evangelism in a Roman colony, where local prejudices intersected with imperial law. Amid their suffering, Paul and Silas responded with faith, praying and singing hymns to God at midnight while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly, a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, opening all the doors and loosening everyone's chains, yet none of the inmates fled, demonstrating the power of their testimony even in captivity. The jailer, awakened by the commotion and assuming the prisoners had escaped, drew his sword to kill himself to avoid punishment under Roman law. Paul urgently called out to him not to harm himself, assuring him that all were still present, which led the jailer to rush in, trembling with fear, fall before Paul and Silas, and inquire, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" In response, they proclaimed faith in the Lord Jesus, and the jailer, along with his entire household, believed and was baptized that same night, receiving Paul and Silas into his home for a meal of rejoicing. This miraculous event underscored divine intervention amid persecution, transforming a moment of potential despair into one of conversion and communal faith. The following morning, the magistrates ordered the release of Paul and Silas, intending to expel them quietly from the city to avoid further unrest. Paul, however, invoked their Roman citizenship rights, which had been violated by the summary beating and imprisonment without trial, declaring that it was unlawful to treat citizens this way and demanding a public escort out of the city to affirm their innocence and protect the nascent Christian community. Alarmed by this revelation, the officials apologized, personally escorted them from the prison, and requested their departure, though Paul and Silas first visited Lydia's house to encourage the brothers and sisters before leaving for other regions. This assertion of legal rights not only secured their release but also intimidated the local authorities, fostering the growth of the Philippian church by demonstrating God's protection over his messengers and embedding Christian witness within the fabric of Roman civic life.

New Testament Epistles

Role as Messenger

In the New Testament, Silas, also known as Silvanus, played a key logistical role as a messenger in the early Christian communities, particularly in facilitating communication between Paul and the church in Thessalonica during a period of persecution and uncertainty. After Paul arrived in Athens alone, he dispatched instructions via escorts for Silas and Timothy to join him promptly (Acts 17:15).^[19] Once reunited, Paul, unable to endure his concern for the Thessalonian believers amid their afflictions, resolved with Silas to send Timothy back to the city to strengthen and encourage the fledgling congregation in their faith, while also gathering reports on their spiritual condition (1 Thessalonians 3:2), as evidenced by his later arrival there alongside Timothy (Acts 18:5), underscoring his active involvement in these dispatches.^[20] This emissary function extended to Silas's association in Paul's epistolary efforts, where he served as a co-sender and joint proclaimer of the gospel. In 2 Corinthians, Paul references the unified preaching of Jesus Christ among the Corinthians by himself, Silas, and Timothy, emphasizing the consistency and reliability of their shared message during ministry in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 1:19).^[21] As a prophet and leader from the Jerusalem church, Silas's participation in these communications highlights his trusted position in bridging distant assemblies through both oral reports and written letters. The implications of Silas's role as a messenger reveal his dependability in conveying apostolic teachings amid early church crises, such as opposition from Jewish authorities and internal doubts about eschatology in Thessalonica. By delivering encouragement and gathering feedback, Silas helped maintain doctrinal unity and pastoral oversight, ensuring that Paul's instructions on perseverance and holiness reached isolated believers without distortion. His repeated endorsements in epistles like 1 Thessalonians further attest to his credibility as a conduit for authentic Christian doctrine during a time when face-to-face verification was essential for community stability.^[22]

Co-Authorship Attributions

In the prescripts of both 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1, Paul identifies himself alongside Silvanus (the Latin form of Silas) and Timothy as co-senders to the church in Thessalonica, a formula that underscores a collaborative missionary effort during their time together around AD 50–51.^[23] This inclusion suggests Silvanus played a scribal or advisory role, potentially contributing to the dictation or endorsement of the letters, as ancient epistolary conventions often listed associates to affirm communal authority rather than solitary authorship.^[23] Scholarly consensus attributes primary authorship of 1 Thessalonians to Paul, viewing it as one of the earliest New Testament documents, with Silvanus's name indicating his supportive involvement in composition or transmission.^[23] The role of Silvanus in 2 Thessalonians remains more contested, as some scholars argue the letter is pseudepigraphic, composed by a later follower of Paul to address eschatological concerns, potentially dating to the late first century rather than AD 50–51.^[24] Despite this debate, Silvanus's repeated mention in the greeting has been interpreted by proponents of authenticity as evidence of collaborative dictation, reflecting the ongoing partnership from the Thessalonian mission described in Acts 17–18.^[23] His presence in both epistles highlights a pattern of joint attribution in Pauline correspondence from this period, emphasizing team-based authorship over individualistic writing in early Christian communities.^[23] In 1 Peter 5:12, Peter refers to Silvanus as a "faithful brother" through whom he has written briefly to exhort and testify to the true grace of God, prompting scholarly discussion on whether Silvanus served as amanuensis—a secretary who transcribed the epistle—or merely as its carrier.^[25] Many interpreters favor the latter view, citing Greco-Roman epistolary formulas where "through [name]" typically denotes the messenger responsible for delivery, as seen in parallels from papyri and early Christian letters like those of Ignatius.^[25] However, a minority of scholars, drawing on the phrase's context and Silvanus's known reliability, propose a possible amanuensis function, where he not only carried but also helped compose the letter to align with Pauline stylistic influences.^[26] This attribution reinforces Silvanus's broader reputation as a trusted intermediary in apostolic communications.^[25]

Veneration in Christianity

Eastern Orthodox Traditions

In Eastern Orthodox tradition, Saint Silas is venerated as one of the Seventy Apostles, a disciple of Christ sent forth to preach the Gospel (Luke 10:1). He is commemorated on July 30 alongside the Apostles Silvanus, Crescens, Epenetus, and Andronicus, recognizing their shared missionary labors in establishing early Christian communities. Additionally, the Synaxarion honors him on January 4 during the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles, which underscores the collective apostolic witness of these figures in the Church's liturgical calendar.^[27]^[28] Hagiographical accounts portray Silas as having been consecrated bishop of Corinth following his travels with the Apostle Paul through Asia and Macedonia. In this role, he performed numerous miracles and signs, strengthening the faith of converts and building up the local Church until his death, traditionally dated between AD 65 and 100. Some traditions further describe his end as a martyrdom in Macedonia, reflecting the persecutions faced by early evangelists in the region.^[27]^[29] Liturgical texts in the Eastern Orthodox rite emphasize Silas's prophetic gifts, drawing from his role in exhorting and comforting the brethren with divine inspiration during the Apostolic Council. These portrayals highlight his spiritual authority as a prophet among the apostles, integral to the transmission of doctrinal teachings and the expansion of Christianity.^[27]^[30]

Western Christian Commemorations

In the Roman Catholic Church, Saint Silas is commemorated on July 13, marking his role as a companion of the Apostle Paul in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles.^[31] This date appears in the Roman Martyrology, which notes his death in Macedonia as one of the early Christians filled with the Holy Spirit, confirming the faith through preaching and miracles.^[32] In Anglican and Lutheran traditions, Silas is honored on January 26 with Saints Timothy and Titus, emphasizing his contributions as a fellow worker in the apostolic mission.^[33] The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America includes this commemoration in its calendar of saints, highlighting Silas's prophetic exhortations and endurance during imprisonment. Devotional practices in these Western churches often draw from the account in Acts 16, where Silas and Paul prayed and sang hymns in prison at Philippi, inspiring reflections on faithful praise amid suffering. Medieval traditions hold that Silas died in Macedonia after serving as bishop of Corinth, a narrative that shaped entries in Western martyrologies and underscored his dedication to the faith.^[3] These accounts influenced liturgical observances, portraying Silas as a model of steadfastness for clergy and missionaries.

Historical and Scholarly Interpretations

Early Church Contributions

Silas played a pivotal role in bridging the Jewish and Gentile factions within the early Christian community following the Jerusalem Council of approximately AD 49–50. As a prominent leader and prophet in the Jerusalem church, he was selected alongside Judas Barsabbas to convey the council's authoritative decree to the assemblies in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. This decree clarified that Gentile converts were not obligated to undergo circumcision or observe the full Mosaic law, thereby alleviating disputes that had threatened to divide the church along ethnic lines. Silas's involvement in this diplomatic mission, where he and Judas exhorted and strengthened the believers with many words, underscored his function as a mediator fostering unity and enabling the inclusive expansion of Christianity. This bridging effort by Silas facilitated a significant transition in early Christian practice, from reliance on synagogues—predominantly Jewish spaces tied to Torah observance—to independent house churches that better suited the diverse, rapidly growing Gentile membership. By affirming the council's rulings, Silas helped legitimize gatherings in private homes, such as those hosted by Lydia in Philippi or Jason in Thessalonica, where believers could worship without the constraints of Jewish customs. This shift allowed the gospel to disseminate more effectively among non-Jews, promoting the formation of autonomous communities that emphasized faith in Christ over ritual law. Silas's influence extended to the founding and nurturing of key Gentile churches during Paul's second missionary journey. In Thessalonica, he partnered with Paul in preaching in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, resulting in the conversion of some Jews, a large number of God-fearing Greeks, and prominent women, which sparked the church's rapid growth despite fierce opposition from Jewish leaders. The Thessalonian assembly's faith soon spread regionally, serving as a model of endurance amid persecution. Similarly, in Corinth, Silas reunited with Paul after troubles in Macedonia, supporting an extended ministry of about eighteen months that led to the baptism of Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and the belief of many other Corinthians following a divine vision to Paul. These efforts established a vibrant church in a major commercial hub, contributing to Christianity's foothold in the Roman province of Achaia. Patristic writers, including Eusebius of Caesarea in his Ecclesiastical History, portray Silas as a central prophetic figure in the apostolic era. Eusebius highlights Silas among the authentic New Testament prophets, distinguishing him from later claimants such as the Montanists.^[34] Later Eastern Christian traditions position Silas within apostolic succession, with accounts suggesting he was appointed as the first bishop of Corinth, where he ordained bishops and oversaw the community's development, ensuring continuity of teaching and oversight in the post-apostolic period.^[35]

Modern Theological Views

In modern theological scholarship, the identification of Silas from the Acts of the Apostles with Silvanus mentioned in Paul's epistles is widely affirmed, resolving earlier debates about whether they represent distinct figures. Scholars such as F.F. Bruce argue that Silas, a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:22), is the same individual as Silvanus, Paul's companion on the second missionary journey, with the names reflecting Aramaic and Latin variants respectively.^[36] This consensus is supported by epigraphic evidence from Palmyrene inscriptions, where the Aramaic name "Seila"—a form related to the Hebrew "Saul"—attests to the Semitic origins of "Silas," as noted by biblical scholar Joseph A. Fitzmyer.^[37] These findings underscore Silas's likely Jewish background, providing a historical anchor for understanding his role in early Christian expansion. Regarding epistle authorship, contemporary analysis posits Silas (Silvanus) as a potential amanuensis or scribe for 1 Thessalonians, where he is named alongside Paul and Timothy (1 Thess 1:1). Stylometric studies of Pauline correspondence highlight variations in vocabulary and syntax that suggest collaborative input from associates like Silvanus, potentially influencing the letter's composition during Paul's time in Corinth (Acts 18:5).^[38] This view reinforces interpretations of Pauline theology as inherently communal, emphasizing shared authorship as a model for early church cooperation rather than solitary dictation.^[39] In 20th- and 21st-century ecumenical studies, Silas symbolizes interfaith dialogue through his Jewish heritage and participation in missions to Gentiles, bridging cultural divides in the spread of the gospel (Acts 16:1–3). His story also informs prison spirituality within liberation theology, particularly the narrative of Paul and Silas singing hymns in Philippi's jail (Acts 16:25), which exemplifies hope and divine intervention amid oppression, offering a framework for spiritual resilience and justice for incarcerated communities.^[40] These interpretations highlight Silas's enduring role in addressing themes of reconciliation and liberation across diverse theological contexts.

References

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Who was Silas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
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Silas (contracted form of Silvanus, woody), an eminent member of the early Christian Church, described under that name in the Acts but as Silvanus in St. Paul' ...
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שָׁאוּל. Gender: Male; Origin: Biblical / Rabbinic Hebrew; Meaning: asked for, borrowed; English Equivalent: Saul. Potential Sibling Name:.
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Roman cognomen meaning "of the woods", derived from Latin silva meaning "wood, forest". Silvanus was the Roman god of forests.
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Aug 24, 2021 · From the verb סלל (salal), to cast up highways. Related names: • Via שאל (sha'al): Saul, Sheal, Shealtiel, Shelah, Sheol: • Via סלל ( ...The name Silas or Silvanus in... · Etymology of the name Silas or...Missing: Seila | Show results with:Seila
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“chief men among the brethren” (Acts 15:22), named Judas Barsabas and Silas, to accompany Paul and Barnabas and act as witnesses of the decision of the council.
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Tradition says he was the first bishop of Corinth and that he died in Macedonia. His feast day is July 13th. Continue reading about St. Silas. ← St. Silar · St.Missing: Anglican Lutheran
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In the reign of king Manasses he was put to death by being sawed in two and was buried beneath the oak Rogel, near a running stream. At Rome, the birthday of St ...
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... Silas, Companions of Saint Paul. 27 Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, Witnesses to ... January 26. Timothy, Titus, and Silas. Companions of Saint Paul. Timothy ...
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a leading member of the Early Christian community, who according to the New Testament accompanied Paul the Apostle on his second missionary journey.
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St. Silas (born, possibly Rome—died 50 ce; Western feast day July 13, Eastern feast day July 30) was an early Christian prophet and missionary, companion of St.
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1. Soter, bishop of the church of Rome, died after an episcopate of eight years, and was succeeded by Eleutherus, the twelfth from the apostles.
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