Final Greetings and Remarks (1Peter 5:12-14)

FINAL GREETINGS AND REMARKS (1Peter 5:12-14):

Peter writes the letter of 1Peter to the dispersed believers throughout Asia Minor. Though it is much evident from the first verse of the epistle that Peter is the author, there is a thought that Silvanus may have written as Peter dictates his thoughts to him as the book is a good literary work in the Greek. Silas is the one who would be most probably mentioned as Silvanus in 1 Peter and three other epistles. Silvanus is a literate and Peter could have sought his help as he doesn’t have a very good educational background. There is also another thought that Peter could have learned Greek during the time of his ministry, written the letter, and passed the letter through Silvanus. This could be a more reasonable thought due to some instances we could observe that Peter preaches with many pieces of evidence of the Old Testament scripture in Acts 2Ch. Peter along with other elders writes the letter to the Gentiles in Acts 15Ch to instruct and encourage them. However it is, Peter writes or passes, it is through Silvanus who is regarded as a faithful brother by Peter. Peter in his final greetings reminds the purpose of writing the letter that he had written the letter to encourage the believers to stand firm in the Lord and thereby testifying in the midst of others that they stand firm by the true and amazing grace of God.

Peter also mentions, ‘She who is at Babylon who is chosen likewise sends greetings’ to the dispersed believers. The second person pronoun ‘She’ and Babylon could be understood in many ways. This could most probably mean that the whole congregation or the church who were chosen as that of the elect, from where Peter addresses the letter which is a place near Jerusalem. The other view considered is that Peter could have meant his wife and the place could be mentioned symbolically as Babylon, but it is not much valid looking at context. Also Peter’s mention of Mark as a son, who also sends greetings to the believers. That Mark could be John Mark who was actively involved and supporting the Ministry along with Peter, Paul, and other elders, which may be a reason that Peter found him close to his heart and mentions him as Son in a figurative sense.

Peter gives his final words to the elect to have a very strong bond amongst one another as fellow believers. Peter tells them to greet each other with the kiss of love which could be a compliment and a cultural tradition that enhances closeness and belongingness without lasciviousness. Peter concludes his letter through a positive comment to the elect that Peace is for all the believers who are in Christ which is a perfect wish of a true Christian leader, with the attitude as that of Christ. Our preparedness to rejoice in suffering guarantees peace that passes all understanding.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection

1.      Through whom, Peter writes the letter?

2.      Who Silvanus could be? Why Peter mentions him as a faithful brother?

3.      How the letter has been written to the believers?

4.      What Peter wishes the believers to be? Why?

5.      Who is mentioned to be likewise chosen?

6.      Who is that ‘She who is at Babylon’ could be?

7.      Who could be Mark, Peter mentions as his son?

8.      How believers are ought to greet one another? Why?

9.      How Peter concludes the letter? Why?

10.  How we could relate with the fellow believers who are scattered or dispersed afar?