1 Peter 5:12-14

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.  She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.  Greet one another with the kiss of love.

The final words of a letter can be especially meaningful.  This particular passage has some precious thoughts as well as some interesting personal references that I’m not sure exactly to whom he is referring.  The important implication is that in times of suffering we absolutely need to stay close to one another and help each other to remember and rejoice in the truth of the promises of God.

STAND FIRM IN GRACE: God’s grace must be clearly understood, believed, and we must stand firm in it. Peter’s entire epistle was written to exhort his readers for this purpose.  The grace of God can be hard to see in times of suffering and depending on the severity of that suffering, we may go so far as to doubt God’s grace.  We are to remind ourselves and others of the truth of God’s gracious promises and seek to confirm one another in living with these truths in mind.  It is easy for us to take our eyes off God’s grace and focus on the difficult circumstances of our lives.  Recognize the vulnerability of our faith and the need we have to be intentional about building it up and maintaining it in the power of the Spirit, the study of God’s Word and in concert with the body of Christ.

FINAL GREETINGS: Peter’s secretary and deliverer of this letter is called Silvanus.  It is likely that this is the same person who traveled with Paul on his second missionary journey called Silas and was imprisoned with Paul in Philippi.  It is encouraging to see how the same person was a blessing to many different people with different target audiences.  The next person mentioned is called “she who is at Babylon.”  It is impossible to know to whom Peter is referring.  It could be that “she” refers to the church, Peter’s wife, or a prominent woman in Babylon.  It is also possible that “Babylon” refers to Rome or to another city literally named Babylon.  The original readers were likely very clear about the identity of this reference.  What we do know is that other far from those being persecuted cared about them and sent their greetings.  Mark is called Peter’s son which is far more likely to be a spiritual son than a physical son.  Most likely it is the young man also called John Mark who abandoned Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey and then was the source of dissention between the two that caused Paul and Barnabas to separate, Paul taking Silas and Barnabas John Mark.  This is also the same person who wrote the Gospel of Mark, likely with Peter, influence.  Such a blessing to see the growth in people’s lives.  As believers we are called to patiently love, greet, and care for one another.

APPLICATION: Be intentional about reminding ourselves of the truth and glory of God’s grace, believing it in all circumstances, standing firm, and helping others to stand firm in God’s promises.  Lovingly greet one another and recognize the need to be patient with people who seem to be struggling in their faith.  Participate actively in the body of Christ.