1 Peter 5:12-14

1 Peter 5:12–14 KJV (WS)

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. 13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. 14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Introduction - SLIDE #1

It is once again time to say good bye to a book that we have spent many hours with.

It may seem like we have been in this book for a long time, and we have.

We started this series on January 3rd.

It’s kind of crazy to think that the book could have been longer.

Peter says that the letter is shorter than it could have been.

He had more things that he had wished to share with them.

Peter would write a second letter to this audience, but this letter is over.

He spends a few lines going over some things that I believe are worthy of our consideration.

First, Peter credits his co-workers. - SLIDE #2

Nobody can make it through this life alone.

This is especially true for Christians.

We are designed for society. PT

We are meant to experience fellowship.

Peter had a team of people behind him that he recognizes in these verses.

First, we see Sylvanus. - SLIDE #3

Sylvanus, apparently, served as either Peter’s secretary or courier or both.

Sylvanus is usually identified as Paul’s companion, Silas.

This may very well be true.

It has been the accepted interpretation of this verse for hundreds of years.

But, it is also possible that there were more than one person with the same name.

But, it was probably the same person as Silas.

Regardless of who Sylvanus was, we know that he must have been active in the region to which Peter wrote.

Peter’s readers lived throughout modern day Turkey.

Peter recognizes Silvanus as a faithful brother to them. PT

This tells us that Peter’s readers were already familiar with Silvanus and his ministry. PT

Peter may be writing them a letter, but Silvanus has already been investing in Peter’s readers for a long time.

Peter knew of Silvanus’ good testimony.

When he says “as i suppose” what we might say is “as I have noticed.”

What a great goal to have that our church would have people like Silvanus spread all around our community.

So that when we try to reach some certain segment, one of our members is already known there.

This will only magnify our ability to reach our community.

Then, Peter extends a greeting to his readers from the Church at Babylon - SLIDE #4

Babylon is probably Rome. PT

Some post-renaissance interpreters have tried to say that this is the same Babylon as the city along the Euphrates.

The city of Babylon had already disappeared by this time.

By calling Rome, Babylon, Peter is emphasizing the pagan nature of the city.

What is his purpose in extending this salute?

He is writing to people who are going to be persecuted.

Roman Christians were the first to feel the effects of this persecution.

He’s letting his readers know that they are not alone. PT

Others are already walking down the road that they will have to walk.

They were standing firm.

This was to encourage the Christians of Asia that they could stand firm also.

Finally, Peter mentions Marcus - SLIDE #5

Most likely this is John Mark.

John Mark really gets around a lot in the New Testament.

We see him at the Last Supper.

We see him in Jerusalem with the first church.

We see him with Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey.

We see him with Peter.

At the end of his life, Paul asks for Mark specifically because of his usefulness.

Mark spent time with Peter which is where he got the material for the gospel of Mark.

He was obviously important to Peter since he calls him “my son”. PT

Peter had invested in Mark.

Perhaps Mark is mentioned to show that there are younger preachers that are also standing firm in their faith.

In an age of celebrity pastors, it’s nice to see Peter demonstrating that the Christian journey is a team-effort.

In this passage, Peter offers his last wishes for his readers.

He written this letter with two methods. - SLIDE #6

The first thing he tried to do is to exhort his readers.

Exhort can have two meanings.

It can mean encourage. PT

It can also mean urge.

I like that second meaning, because that’s what I feel like I’m trying to do when I preach.

I am urging you to open yourself up to the Bible.

I am urging you to be faithful to God.

Peter also seeks to testify to the people.

It’s one thing to say you should do this.

It’s another thing to say I have done this.

I can’t think of too many people who had done or seen more than Peter.

When you think about what Peter was trying to accomplish, he was in a good position to exhort and testify to his readers.

What was Peter trying to accomplish, by the way?

He has tried to accomplish a couple of things.

He rehearses them for us in these closing verses.

Confirm their faith.

He says this is the true grace of God.

Difficulties in life cause us to question things.

Peter wants to reinforce their faith in God.

They may be questioning their reception of God’s gospel of grace.

The gospel which they have received is the only source of God’s grace available.

No matter what persecution may come, that fact cannot change.

Peter encourages them to stand firm in this grace. PT

Wherein ye stand is is an imperative rather an indicative.

We don’t believe that you can lose your salvation.

It is true though that not every believer is standing in the grace that God has given.

Paul learned that God’s grace is sufficient for anything we face.

Some believers would rather face life’s trials and even persecutions in their own strength.

Finally, Peter ends his letter with a request for them and for God. - SLIDE #7

Greet each other in love. PT

These holy kisses were a cultural greeting common for their era.

Men kissed men and women kissed women.

I had a teen who loved to make fun of this verse.

Peter wants them to show the same affection to each other that he has for them.

He would rather be with them as they travel though the fiery trials that are approaching.

Since he can’t, he expects them to treat each other with the same love that he has for them.

Then, he prays that peace would come to all that are in Christ. PT

Paul often ended his letters with a benediction of grace.

Peter ends this letter with a benediction of peace.

Participation in the blessing and fellowship of the gospel depends on one’s personal relationship with the gospel.

He began the letter with a greeting of peace.

It makes sense that he would end with a request for peace.

Throughout the letter, we have seen that the people of God are suffering, dispersed and unsettled, yet they can still enjoy God’s peace.

Participation in the blessing and fellowship of the gospel depends on one’s personal relationship with the gospel.

Application - SLIDE #8

Aren’t we grateful for our co-laborers? PT

Let it be known.

We should make this a part of our regular practice.

None of us are capable of making it on our own.

If someone’s ministry is a blessing to you, let them know.

We can minister to each other the way Peter ministered to them. PT

Exhort and Testify.

Urge and encourage.

Share what God has done in your life.

Be light to each other.

Confirm each other’s faith.

I remember in the 90’s it was popular to talk about being the hands and feet of God.

It’s still a great concept.

You can strengthen the faith of your brethren by representing God and his love in one another’s lives.

Encourage our brethren to stand firm.

They may be having doubts that you don’t know about.

Your fellowship and camaraderie may be just what they need.

The requests of Peter still stand.

Greet each other in love.

Jesus said that love was supposed to be our defining trait.

Paul said that without love we are nothing.

Pray for the peace of all God’s family. PT

I think of our missionaries.

I think of persecuted members of our family around the world.

I think of the sister churches around us.

We should pray for the peace of God’s people.

Conclusion

As we say good bye to Peter for now, let’s remember what we have learned.

When trials of life come…

We stand firm in our faith

We find strength in our fellowship with one another.

God knows what we will face.

He has given us what we need to remain faithful.

No matter what.