1 Peter 5
OGCQUESTIONS OVER CHAPTER V
Do you believe Peter occupied the office of an elder in the church, or was he just an older man at this time? Why?
At what time was Peter a witness of Christ’s sufferings?
In what way was he a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed?
Name at least three things a good shepherd must do when he tends a flock.
Rather than exercising the oversight out of constraint, the elder is to do so _______________?
Explain the feeding of the flock.
What is filthy lucre as far as the Bible is concerned?
What is the opposite force that should motivate the elder?
Who did Jesus say lorded it over others?
What is the better method of helping people according to the Holy Spirit?
Who is the chief Shepherd? Where is he mentioned elsewhere in I Peter?
What quality does the crown of glory have?
What are the younger ones to do?
With what are we to gird ourselves?
Name some ways we can serve one another.
God _________________ the proud, but giveth ______________ to the humble.
When will the humble be exalted?
What is anxiety?
What is to be done with it?
What reason does Peter give for doing this?
Define Be sober.-'
To what animal is the devil likened?
What is he doing? What does this indicate?
How is he to be overpowered?
Who were their brethren who are in the world (1 Peter 5:9)?
Jehovah is here called the God of all _______________________?
How were they to suffer?
Just what does God do when he perfects us (1 Peter 5:10)?
Who was Silvanus?
What compliment does Peter give him?
Did Peter consider this a long letter? (Do you?)
What is the true grace of God?
How is it to be regarded or treated?
Is She that is in Babylon Peter’s wife?
Does Babylon here mean Rome as in Revelation? Give a reason (s) for your answer.
What affectionate title does Peter give Mark?
Identify Mark in the Book of Acts. (Was he washed up when he returned to Jerusalem?)
With what were the recipients to greet one another?
Upon what group does Peter wish peace?
1 Peter 5:1-4
**VI. EXHORTATIONS TO ELDERS 1 Peter 5:1-4
1 Peter 5:1 The elders therefore among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Expanded Translation**
Therefore (because the judgment of trial is engulfing the church), I exhort and appeal to the elders (presbyters) among you, being a fellow-elder and a witness or testifier of the sufferings of Christ, and being a sharer (partner, partaker) in the glory which shall be revealed (uncovered).
The elders therefore among you I exhort,
THE ELDERSpresbuteros, whence our words presbyter, presbyterian, etc. The word primarily means the older if two ages were being compared (Luke 15:25). More generally, it refers to an older person (see 1 Peter 5:5, 1 Timothy 5:1). Seventeen times in the New Testament this word is used, as here, of those who are shepherds, overseers and caretakers of the house of God. The term was evidently taken from the Jewish elders in the Sanhedrin, but their function is certainly different in many respects.
There are two other terms used in the New Testament for this office: 1: Bishop or overseer (episkopos). Compare Acts 20:17 with Acts 20:28, or Titus 1:5 with Titus 1:7.
- Shepherd or Pastor (poimen). In sixteen occurrences of this Greek word in the New Testament, it is rendered shepherd. In one instance (Ephesians 4:11), it is translated pastor. And who is to be performing the duties of a spiritual shepherd over God’s flock? In Acts 20:28 the Overseers (bishops) are so exhorted, and in the passage before us the elders are told to perform such duties.
Using Bible terminology, then, the names elder, bishop and pastor all refer to the same person.
therefore I exhort
In view of these matters of which I have just spoken. Note especially 1 Peter 4:17-19. When the church is under great stress, its spiritual overseers much attend to their responsibilities with diligence. Paul exhorted the Ephesian elders when the flock was in danger (Acts 20:28-35).
who am a fellow-elder
Peter was still an apostle (1 Peter 1:1), but he here mentions an area of commonness with these elders. It was more than a likeness in agehe actually held the same office, probably in the church at Babylon (1 Peter 5:13).
It is well to note that the apostle does not say he was the or even a head-bishop or chief-elder! Yet, if he was writing from and was soon to be elevated to the Pontificate (as the Romanists claim), one would think that a title of greater esteem would be more appropriate! We know that an elder must be an older man. And by the time II Peter is penned, Peter’s sojourn on earth was soon to conclude (2 Peter 1:13-14). But strange indeed is the utter silence concerning the promotion of this man who our Roman Catholic acquaintances tell us was Lord God The Pope![19]
[19] Strange, too, that the future Pope is not so much as greeted by the Apostle Paul in his lengthy list of persons to salute in his epistle to the Romans, Chan. 16.
and a witness of the sufferings of Christ
A witness (martus) is one who testifies, or can testify, concerning what he himself has seen, heard, or knows by some means; but particularly one who can verify what he has seen.
To his apostles Jesus could say concerning the great events of his life. Ye are witnesses of these things (Luke 24:28).[20] Like John (1 John 1:1-2), Peter could speak or write of that which he had seen, heard, and handled, He had seen the Lord bound, mistreated, and delivered into the hands of wicked men. True, he was sometimes afar off from this suffering, but he could still speak from personal observation.[21]
[20] Especially could such be said of Peter, one of the inner circle apostles. See the Introduction.
[21]Matthew 26:58, Luke 22:54, Mark 14:54, and perhaps he is included among all His acquaintance, Luke 23:49.
who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed
This glory is evidently the same as the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:5).
Peter, then, was a brother-elder and a sharer in the coming reward of eternal life. These things he had in common with those he exhorted. But he shows his preeminent qualification for exhorting them in a time of suffering, by reminding them that he was a personal witness of Christ’s sufferings.[22]
[22] Comp. 2 Peter 1:16-18, where his personal witness of the transfiguration is mentioned.
**1 Peter 5:2-3 Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; not yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.
Expanded Translation**
Tend, feed, and shepherd the flock (church, Acts 20:28) of God which is among you, performing the duties of an overseer and superintendent, not because you are forced to do it, but voluntarily and willingly in accordance with the will and mind of God; nor yet in a spirit of eagerness for base gain, but with a cheerful readiness; neither as lording it over or being domineering over your portion (i.e., that part of God’s universal church over which you rule), but making your lives exemplary patterns (examples suitable for imitation) to the flock.
Tend the flock of God which is among you
The King James Version’s feed in place of tend, expresses only part of the meaning of poimaino, which means to tend a flock, keep sheep. It is employed in Acts 20:28 thus: … to feed the church of the Lord which He purchased with his own blood. A Scriptural elder is a shepherd (Ephesians 4:11) and here he is told to do the work of one.
What is the work of a shepherd? He is
a. To protect the flock from those who would destroy or scatter it. (John 10:12-13, 1 Samuel 17:34-36.) (For this reason the ancient shepherd carried a staff or rod, and sometimes a sling (Psalms 23:4, 1 Samuel 17:40).
b. To go before them, lead them, and guide them safely. See Psalms 23:1-6.
c. To find feed for them. The chief care of the shepherd is to see that the sheep find plenty to eat and drink. The flocks are not fed in pens or folds, but, summer and winter, must depend upon foraging for their sustenance (Psalms 23:2).[23]
[23] The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. IV, p. 2763.
d. To watch the flock carefully. He tries to keep them from straying, but if one goes astray, he goes after it and brings it back to the fold (Luke 15:3-7).
exercising the oversight
One word in the originalepiskopeo. Just as the previous duty was the verb form of the word pastor or shepherd, this word is the verb form of episkopos, bishop or overseer. It might be loosely rendered to do the work of an overseer. It means to look upon, inspect, oversee, look after, care for. The Greek word skopeo would have been enough to express the thought of to look at, or to inspect, for that is its meaning. But to this verb is added the emphatic particle epi (on, upon, over). Thus our word means more than just gawking, looking, or gazing, but looking with a sense of care and concern toward the object or person upon whom the attention is centered. This essential element of the meaning is accurately brought out by the translators in the only other occurrence of the word in the New Testament, Hebrews 12:15. Paul exhorts the Hebrew Christians to be looking carefully (episkopeo) lest there be any man that falleth short of the grace of God.
not of constraint, but willingly
The word constraint (anagkastos) means by force, or compulsion; unwillingly, It is opposed to (and the opposite of) hekousios; voluntarily, spontaneously, of one’s own accord. The latter word occurs only one other time in the New Testamentin the familiar Hebrews 10:26, For if we sin willfully.
according to the will of God
Literally, according to God, i.e., God would have it this waywillingly.
nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind
These two stand in sharp contrast. When one is laboring in a spirit of eagerness for base gain,[24] he is not working spontaneously and zealously for Christ.
[24]* Souter*.
One of the qualifications of an elder is that he be no lover of money (1 Timothy 3:3)[25] and not greedy of filthy lucre (Titus 1:7, 1 Timothy 3:8).[26] Thus he is to be free from this trait in his everyday life before he is qualified, and after he is in the office he is to be free from it as a motivating force in his work as an elder. This duty is especially fitting when we remember that some elders are to receive financial support (1 Timothy 5:17-18).
[25] Where we have aphilarguros.
[26]Where we have aischrokerdes, the noun form of the very word under consideration, aischrokerdos. Contained within this word is aischros, which means indecorous, dishonorable, vile. The reference, then, is not simply to one who is greedy of money, but to a man who so loves money that he will, without hesitation, stoop to low practices to make a quick buck, In biblical language, filthy lucre-’ is not all money, but money gained dishonorably.
When one’s work is done of a ready mind (prothumos) it is done eagerly, promptly, heartily and cheerfully. Broken down, this word is from pro, which here means with, and thumos, glow, ardor. Stronger in meaning than hekousios (willingly) it implies zeal and enthusiasm. How desirous are these traits in the lives of every Christian!
neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you but making yourselves ensamples to the flock
Again we have a negative and positive exhortation in direct contrast to each other. He is not to lord it over his subjects. Katakurieuo means to gain or exercise dominion over (see Acts 19:16, mastered). The significance here is doubtless the same as that given to it by Jesus, when He called the Apostles unto Him and said:
Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over (katakurieuo) them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever shall become great among you shall be your minister; and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant (Matthew 20:25-27). (By Gentiles Jesus evidently had particularly the Romans in mind, for they were the ruling power in Judaea and the whole Mediterranean world at that time.) So Barnes says of this word, it refers properly to that kind of jurisdiction which civil rulers or magistrates exercise. This is an exercise of AUTHORITY, as contradistinguished from the influence of reason, persuasion, and example.
Rather than ruling with an iron hand and making much of his authority, he must lead primarily by his example (tupos). Tracing the history of this word, it was first the mark or strike of a blow (from tupto, to strike, smite, beat). See John 20:25, print. Then it meant a figure formed by such a blow or impression, or a die (Acts 7:43). After examining the 13 other passages where the word is employed in the New Testament, apart from this literal sense, it is my opinion that the word could have been consistently rendered outline or pattern. It is this very word which we would use, if we were Greeks writing 2,000 years ago about a dress pattern or blueprint for a house. But it is variously translated form, ensample, example, figure, and pattern, in the Scriptures. Thus the elder should be one who so lives in his everyday life that he provides a pattern for imitation to the members of the congregation.
**1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Expanded Translation**
And when the chief (head) Shepherd appears, you will obtain for yourselves the crown (or wreath, or garland) of glory, that never fadesnever loses its original brightness, lustre, or beauty.
And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested
i.e., Christ, when He returns, cp. 1 Peter 2:25.[27] He is the head of the church, his flock, and the elders are his under-shepherds. Note the similarity of expression in Acts 20:28.
[27] Peter says much of the second coming of Christ and the glories of our future home: 1 Peter 1:3-9, 2 Peter 3:10-14.
ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away
The word crown (stephanos) had usual reference to some type of wreath or garland, such as those given for winners of the athletic contests (1 Corinthians 9:25). Such prizes were given as a reward, Earthly accomplishments quickly wilt, fade, and crumble. Even golden crowns soon tarnish. Not so with our eternal reward! (See the term fadeth not away discussed under 1 Peter 1:4.)
1 Peter 5:5
**VII. FINAL EXHORTATIONS TO BE SUBMISSIVE, HUMBLE, TRUSTFUL AND WATCHFUL 1 Peter 5:5-11
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another; for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
Expanded Translation**
Also, the younger ones must arrange themselves under the older ones. Indeed, all of you must be clothed with a lowly opinion of yourselves [subjecting yourselves to one another];[28] because God opposes and resists the high-minded and arrogant, but gives grace and favor to those who are humble, lowly, and condescending.
[28] Omitted in some MSS.
Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder
The elder here mentioned is plural in the Greek, and is the same Greek word so rendered in 1 Peter 5:1. But the exhortation here is apparently a general one concerning conduct among Christian brethren. That the elder ones here refers to the elderly in the congregation and not to the bishop as such, I submit the following reasons:
-
It is in plain contrast here to the younger (neoteroi) which invariably has reference to age in the New Testament.
-
The term elder (presbuteros) is elsewhere used in its literal significance. Why not here? Compare Luke 15:12 with Luke 15:25. See also Acts 2:17.
-
A very parallel passage Isaiah 1 Timothy 5:1-2, where the same contrast is found, even in the original. And note there, as here, the previous context concerns the office of the eldership (1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 4:14).
But in what way are younger Christians to be submissive to older ones? They are to arrange themselves under them (see 1 Peter 3:1, where hupotasso is defined). They must be respectful, kind, courteous, and thoughtful of them.[29]
[29] Compare 2 Kings 2:23-25, Leviticus 19:32, Proverbs 16:31; Proverbs 20:29, Lamentations 5:12.
yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility
That is, surround and clothe yourself with it. Humility (tapeininophrosune) is the having a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness; modesty, lowliness of mind,[30]
[30] Thayer’s Greek Lexicon. See also Trench, Synonyms of the N.T., xlii. Also, note our discussion of tapeinophron under 1 Peter 3:8.
to serve one another
What a different way is the Christian life from that of the world’s dog eat dog philosophy! Compare 1 Peter 3:8-9; Philippians 2:3-4.
for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble
See the same phrase in James 4:6. The proud, arrogant, and haughty are opposed and resisted by God, though this opposition is not always immediately discernable. But just as certain is his favorable regard for the humble (topeinosliterally, low, not rising far from the ground; hence lowly in his own estimation of himself, lowly in spirit), Only the humble are in a position to receive the spiritual blessings and kindnesses God has to offer him.
1 Peter 5:6-7
**1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.
Expanded Translation**
You must be humble, submit, and lower yourselves therefore under the strong and powerful hand of God, in order that you might be elevated and exalted at the proper time, Throw all your worry and anxious care upon him, because he is concerned about your welfare and cares for you.
Humble yourselves therefore
In view of the truth just statedthat the Almighty resists those who lift themselves up in arrogance and has blessings in store for the lowly.
casting all your anxiety upon him
The word anxiety (merimna) means literally to draw (the mind) in different directions. Those things which cause worry or anxious care must be cast upon our God! Many of such cares are concerning an impending or anticipated ill and the painful uneasiness of mind that comes from dwelling upon them. How easy it is to take these burdens upon ourselves, believing we can solve them! Even when the greatest calamity has befallen us let us say with Job, Jehovah gave, and Jehovah hath taken away; blessed be the name of Jehovah (Job 1:21).
As we have seen, the recipients of this epistle were already in the midst of tribulation and about to undergo trials of even greater intensity. If any group of Christians had the right to be anxious, they did. The apostle’s exhortation was timely. It appears that the Psalmist learned the lesson that Peter would here have us all heed, particularly concerning anxiety over our bodily safety.
I laid me down and slept. I awaked; for Jehovah sustaineth me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people. That have set themselves against me round about.
In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; For thou, Jehovah, alone maketh me dwell in safety.
because he careth for you
More than anyone else! See Hebrews 13:5-6.
1 Peter 5:8-9
**1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.
Expanded Translation**
Be calm (sober, self-controlled), be wide awake (watchful and vigilant): Your adversary (enemy, opponent) the devil, as a roaring lion is stalking about, seeking those whom he may gulp down (swallow, devour, gobble), Whom you must oppose with firm faith, knowing (considering, realizing) that the same experiences of suffering are endured by your (Christian) brethren who are in (other parts of) the world.
Be sober
nepho (see discussions under 1 Peter 1:13 and 1 Peter 4:7). Literally meaning not intoxicated, in the New Testament it is used only figuratively: Be free from every form of mental and spiritual drunkennessfrom excess, passion, rashness, etc. In Apostolic usage, it refers to one who is well-balanced or self-controlled. Here (as in 2 Timothy 4:5 and 1 Thessalonians 5:6), Arndt and Gingrich would translate: be self-possessed under all circumstances.
be watchful
gregoreo literally signifies to be awake or watch (Matthew 26:38-40). Metaphorically, as here, to be watchful, vigilant, circumspect; give strict attention to, be cautious. Through carelessness, neglect, and lack of careful attention, our souls can drift away from Christ and become easy prey to Satan. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation (Matthew 26:41).
Both be sober and be watchful are aorist imperatives, indicating sharp commands to be heeded at once.
your adversary, the devil
The term adversary (antidikos) sometimes refers to an opponent in a lawsuit (Matthew 5:25, Luke 12:58; Luke 18:3). This has caused some to believe the devil is called our adversary because he accuses men before God (tries to get a case against us) so God, as judge, may sentence us. However, the word is commonly used in ancient Greek literature (including the Septuagint) to simply indicate an enemy, adversary, or opponent; and, I believe, should so be understood here.
Christ is our friend! All that he does to or for us, he does out of a heart of love and for our good. Not so with Satan! He may, and often does, appear as a friend, BUT HE HAS NOTHING BUT OUR HARM, DAMAGE, AND RUIN in mind. May we never forget this truth!
as a roaring lion walketh about
Many beasts roar or howl when they are hungry. Perhaps we may so understand this phrase. Satan is hungry and eager for souls! Watch out!
seeking whom he may devour
The words walking and seeking are in the present tense, showing constancy of action. You may let down your guard and go to sleep on the job, BUT SATAN DOES NOT! He is at his task of consuming unwary saints at all hours!
His allurements may, and often do, look attractive. But what is his real purpose? To destroy our souls! He seeks those he may gulp down. If Satan’s subtlety and slyness are portrayed when he appeared as a serpent (Genesis 3:1), his ferocity and meanness are pictured in this simile of a lion. He is a brutal, ravaging, wild beast! What must we have to ward off such a beast? Peter tells us.
whom withstand stedfast in your faith
The term in (en) may be taken as instrumental: with or by means of faith; or locative: in faith.
Our faith is to be rigid, strong, firm, solid, and immovable, for this is the meaning of stedfast, Homer used this word to describe rocks, God needs people with a rock-like faith!
Equipped with such a trust, we are to resist and oppose Satan. But resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world
Note the Expanded Translation. There are some who believe the brethren here are the Jewish people who were undergoing trials over the world, This is particularly held by those who believe the book was exclusively addressed to Hebrew Christians, the brethren who are in the world referring to non-Christian Jews who were undergoing persecutions at the hands of the Romans. Whereas the above is a possibility, the whole scope of the verse concerns Christians. The term brethren occurs throughout the book with this significance (1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 2:17, 1 Peter 3:8). Realizing that other brethren in other parts of the globe are bearing up under trials similar to our own provides us with spiritual encouragement, (Compare Romans 1:12.)
1 Peter 5:10-11
1 Peter 5:10-11 And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen[31]** you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.**
[31]** **Many manuscripts add the word settle (themelioo). Its meaning is: firmly establish, ground, render firm and unwavering, make stable. It is omitted in the Vatican and Alexanderian manuscripts, but included in the Sinaitic and other manuscripts and versions. Nestle’s text includes it, but most modern translations omit it.
Expanded Translation
And after you have suffered a little (while), the God of all grace, favor, and kindness, who called you into his eternal glory in Christ (or, by Christ), shall himself put you in proper order, confirm, strengthen you. To him be the might and dominion for ever and ever (literally, unto the ages of the ages). Amen.
And the God of all grace
All the blessings of our lives we can trace to God’s goodness (James 1:17). Salvation, that grace by which we are saved, comes from him as its Author and Source.
after that ye have suffered a little while
Literally, a little. The word may refer to the degree, as well as to the duration, of the sufferings. They are transient and passing; the glory is eternal. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you
Here is what God can do!
PERFECTkatartizo. This word basically means to finish, complete, or repair. It is used in the account of the calling of Peter, Andrew, James and John, by the Sea of Galilee, when the latter two were in the boat with Zebedee, their father, mending (katartizontas) their nets. That is, they were putting them in good shape. God will repair, adjust, and place in proper order what is lacking or maladjusted in the character of his people, if we will conscientiously strive to adhere to his word. He can make us fit vessels for the tasks he has given us to accomplish!
ESTABLISHsterizo, Literally, to set up, fix firmly, support. (And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed. Luke 16:26.) Figuratively, it means to confirm, establish, or strengthen. Jesus had said to this very apostle, When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (Luke 22:32), employing this same word.
STRENGTHENsthenoo, a word similar in meaning to the previous: to make strong, put strength into.
to him be the dominion for ever and ever
See also 1 Peter 4:11. This seems to be a spontaneous outburst of praise, honor, and glory to God, straight from the heart of the apostle.
1 Peter 5:12-14
**VIII. PERSONAL MATTERS AND SALUTATIONS 1 Peter 5:12-14
1 Peter 5:12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God: stand ye fast therein.
Expanded Translation**
By (or through, or by means of) Silvanus (Silas) your faithful and trustworthy brother, as I estimate him, I have written you this short letter, exhorting (or, perhaps, encouraging) you, and bearing my testimony that this is the true (real) grace of God: stand fast (stay put) in it![32]
[32] Thayer and others would give eis the meaning of enter here, rather than in, translating enter and stand fast, But the simple meaning in seems more appropriate to me.
By Silvanus
Silas is a contracted form of this man’s name. I see no reason to doubt, as some do, that this is the same man who traveled extensively with Paul, He is always referred to as Silas in Acts, and as Silvanus in the epistles. He may have been Peter’s secretary, or scribe, but more than likely he only served as the messenger. See the Introduction.
exhorting
Parakaleo, which sometimes combines the ideas of exhorting, encouraging, and comforting.
and testifying that this is the true grace of God
Epimartureo, signifies to bear testimony, testify solemnly, establish by testimony, usually with the thought of giving evidence, So Peter had done regarding those matters that make up the life of the real Christianthe life that is in the sphere of God’s true grace, They had experienced this grace in conversion and in the blessedness and progress of their life with Christ. This was no delusion, as they were tempted to suppose by their troubles and afflictions, but the genuine grace of God!
stand ye fast therein
That is, in the realm of the grace of God, Christ’s church, the place where God’s grace is diffused. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
**1 Peter 5:13-14 She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son, Salute one another with a kiss of love.
Peace be unto you all that are in Christ.
Expanded Translation**
She (the church) that is in Babylon, who have been elected to Gospel privileges along with you, greet (salute, express good wishes to) you; also Mark my son. Greet one another with a kiss, which is an expression of (your Christian) love. Peace and tranquility be to all of you that are in fellowship with Christ.
She that is in Babylon
The word church (ekklesia) is feminine in gender, and the salute here given is to be taken as from the congregation of believers in the city of Babylon.[33] Babylon was not as yet entirely destroyed, and there seems to be no real reason for believing Rome is meant here, or some Babylon of another country. See the *Introduction.
[33]* Church actually appears in Syriac and Vulgate versions.
Mark my son
Peter may have been instrumental in turning this man to Christ and therefore refers to him in this endearing manner. Paul spoke of Timothy and Titus as his children: 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:1, Titus 1:4.
salute one another with a kiss of love
Evidently the same as the holy kiss mentioned in Paul’s writings (Romans 16:16, etc.). Greeting by means of a kiss seems to have been a common practice in the early church and for several centuries following the apostolic era.[34]
[34] See The Anti-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2, p. 291 and Vol. 7, p. 422.
There is reason to believe that, as a rule, men only thus greeted men, and women, women.-’ The eastern kiss was on the cheek, forehead, beard, hands, and even feet, but not the lips. In modern times, Christendom has substituted the kissing of the altar, the sacred elements, or the stole of the clergy.[35]
[35] This point is made by the Shaff-Herzog Ency., The International Standard Bible Ency., Woods.
peace be unto you all that are in Christ
Others do not have such an assurance. The peace Christ gives is not as the world gives (John 14:27), but far more lasting and satisfying. If our trust is in him, the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard our hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).