How does 1 Peter 5:13 encourage unity among believers in different locations? The verse in view “The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.” – 1 Peter 5:13 Chosen together—one family everywhere • “Chosen together with you” declares a shared election; God’s call unites believers no matter their address. • Election is literal and corporate: the saints in “Babylon” (Rome) and in Asia Minor stand under the same gracious choice of God (Ephesians 1:4). • Because the choosing is God’s, distance cannot diminish belonging (Romans 8:30). Greetings that bridge the distance • First-century letters carried more than news; they carried fellowship. Peter’s greeting expresses: – Active concern: the Roman believers know, love, and pray for their Asia-Minor brothers. – Mutual acknowledgement: the receiving churches discover they are remembered and valued. • Scripture often uses greetings to weave congregations together (Romans 16:16; 2 John 1:13). Mark’s presence—mentorship and partnership • “My son Mark” (the Gospel writer) models inter-church ministry: a worker who moves among congregations, strengthening bonds (Acts 12:25; Colossians 4:10). • Personal names remind us unity is personal, not abstract; we link hearts as well as doctrines. Echoes from other passages • John 17:22-23 – Jesus prays “that they may be perfectly united.” His petition spans the globe. • Ephesians 4:4-6 – one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God and Father. • 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 – many members, one body; all baptized “into one body.” Practical takeaways for today • Recognize fellow believers in every city as God’s chosen family; speak of them that way. • Send intentional, personal greetings—emails, texts, videos—affirming shared identity in Christ. • Welcome traveling Christians as partners, not strangers; hospitality displays the one-body reality. • Pray for churches you have never seen; your intercession tightens the spiritual fabric between you. 1 Peter 5:13, in a single sentence, turns a simple greeting into a living demonstration that God’s elect are one, wherever they gather. |
    |