One House : 1 Peterনমুনা

Stand Firm in Grace

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.

1 Peter 5:12-14 ESV

Three characters make an appearance at the end of Peter’s letter—Silvanus, ‘She who is at Babylon,’ and Mark. Silvanus is none other than Silas, the traveling companion of the Apostle Paul and leader in the early church. Mark, a name we’re also familiar with, is the author of the second gospel and close friend of both Peter and Paul. ‘She who is at Babylon’ is not an individual, but the church in Rome. Just as Babylon was the center of power in the ancient world—opposed to God’s people, now Rome stands in her place. These names give weight and authority to Peter’s letter. If any of his recipients doubt its authenticity, they can ask these three trusted sources.

Peter sums up his letter by stating that everything he has written about up to this point is “the true grace of God,” an unusual phrase for most modern readers. What he means is this: The entire pattern of the Christian life laid out in this letter (salvation, hope, trials, and future glory) is grounded in God’s grace. To ‘stand firm’ in God’s grace is to continue to walk the path of obedience and faith in the power of Christ.

Finally, Peter closes with a benediction, “Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” Peace, internal and external, is what all believers need as we live in spiritual exile, waiting for Christ to bring us to our eternal home.