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.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Comment: Silvanus or Silas was an early church leader who travelled a lot with the Apostle Paul but then apparently worked with Peter. Peter wrote confirming the truth of the gospel, which is to be known, believed in and kept to. (stand firm!)
Babylon is possibly a code word for Rome, but not necessarily as there were apparently more Christians in Babylon than in Rome. At any rate it really doesn’t matter as the epistle applies to us as much as to those of the dispersion (ch1) to whom it was written.
i) ‘She’, could mean Peter’s wife who travelled with him, but more likely I think means the church in Babylon. ii) ‘Mark, my son’ was probably a term used for someone who was a relative or possibly someone with whom Peter had a close relationship. He was also the writer of Mark’s gospel. iii) The holy kiss is still used as the common greeting in many African and Middle Eastern countries. It is certainly more intimate than the metre extended handshake of the British! iv) The peace of the greeting was possible because of a right relationship with God in spite of the suffering surrounding the early persecuted church. Thank you, Peter, for your letter!
Prayer: Help me to persevere to the end, come what may, O my God.
As I read it! 