What does "she who is in Babylon" symbolize in 1 Peter 5:13? Context of Peter’s Closing Greeting 1 Peter 5:13: “She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.” • Final lines of a pastoral letter urging steadfast faith amid suffering (1 Peter 1:6; 5:10). • Peter is writing alongside “Mark” (John Mark), known coworker of both Peter and Paul (Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11). Who Is “She”? • Scripture often personifies a local congregation as a woman: – 2 John 1:1, “the elect lady and her children.” – Ephesians 5:25–27, the church as Christ’s bride. • “Elect together with you” binds this “she” to the same grace enjoyed by Peter’s scattered readers (1 Peter 1:1-2). • Therefore “she” most naturally points to the local body of believers where Peter is writing—“the church.” What Does “Babylon” Refer To? Two possibilities fit a literal, accurate reading of Scripture: 1. Literal Babylon on the Euphrates • Historic city still inhabited in the first century (Josephus, Antiquities 18.9.5). • Large Jewish community remained after the Exile (Jeremiah 29:4-7). • Peter, the apostle to the circumcised (Galatians 2:7-9), could have ministered there. 2. Symbolic name for Rome • Revelation uses “Babylon” for a persecuting world-power (Revelation 17:5; 18:2). • Early Christian writings (e.g., Shepherd of Hermas) follow this usage. • Peter’s companion Mark is later in Rome with Paul; ties point to Peter’s presence there. Evidence Supporting Rome as “Babylon” • Mark’s proximity: Colossians 4:10 (Rome imprisonment) makes Mark a likely partner with Peter in Rome. • Persecution theme: 1 Peter addresses fiery trials (1 Peter 4:12); Rome was the immediate source under Nero. • Apocalyptic shorthand: like Revelation, Peter may protect believers by veiling Rome’s name. Evidence Supporting Literal Mesopotamian Babylon • No figurative “Babylon” appears elsewhere in Peter’s letter; the simplest reading is geographic. • Peter emphasizes real places and people (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, etc.; 1 Peter 1:1). • Jewish mission: Acts 2:9-11 lists Parthians and Medes present at Pentecost—regions near Babylon—showing early gospel inroads there. Why the Symbol Matters for Believers Today • Whether Rome or the Euphrates plain, Babylon represents a setting of exile and opposition—echoing Israel’s captivity (Psalm 137:1). • God gathers His “chosen together” even in hostile centers; the church thrives amid pressure (Matthew 16:18). • The greeting reminds believers that they are part of a worldwide family standing firm “in the true grace of God” (1 Peter 5:12). Summary: “She who is in Babylon” most naturally identifies the local church from which Peter writes. Textual and historical clues lean toward Rome as the coded “Babylon,” yet a literal Mesopotamian Babylon remains a viable view. In either case, the phrase underscores God’s faithful people shining in the heart of an ungodly culture—partners in grace and perseverance with all who trust Christ. |
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