1 Peter 5:12-14

Closing Comments

Silvanus is also called Silas in the book of Acts (2 Corinthians 1:19; Acts 18:1-18). He was with Paul when he wrote both letters to the brethren at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1). Peter describes him as faithful and says the letter is "by" him, which may indicate he wrote it while Peter dictated, or he carried it to them, or both. The letter, 1 Peter, was a short one in length, especially when the great theme of God's grace is considered. Its purpose was to instruct them in God's grace and encourage them to stand fast in that grace (1 Peter 5:12).

Who was the "she who is in Babylon" who sent greetings? Woods thinks it is Peter's wife, who was also a sister in Christ (1 Corinthians 9:5). John Mark was Peter's son in the same sense that Timothy was Paul's (1 Peter 2:22; 1 Timothy 1:1-2). Both of these people sent greetings to those addressed.

Much like Paul, Peter direct Christians to be sure their use of the kiss, which was a common form of greeting, should be done with a proper attitude (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26). His final prayer for them was that they enjoy the true peace that can only belong to those in Christ (1 Peter 5:13-14).