◄ 1 Peter 5:13 ►
The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.
Study Bible
The church in Babylon,

A congregation in Babylon shared the same faith and calling as the believers scattered through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Babylon remained inhabited and included a substantial Jewish population, providing a fitting setting for Peter’s ministry among the dispersed people of God.

1Pe 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect…
Jer 29:7 Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you.…
Rev 18:2 And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen…

chosen together with you,

God’s electing grace united believers across distance, culture, and circumstance. The church in Babylon and the churches receiving this letter belonged alike to the people God had called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1Th 1:4 Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen…
Eph 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…
Col 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved…

sends you greetings,

Christian greetings expressed more than courtesy; they affirmed fellowship in Christ and mutual participation in the gospel. Believers separated by many miles remained one body under the care of the same Lord.

1Co 16:20 All the brothers here send you greetings.…
Rom 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches…
2Co 13:13 All the saints send you greetings.

as does my son Mark.

Mark, also known as John Mark, served alongside Peter and was regarded by him with the affection of a spiritual father. His presence connects this letter with the apostolic witness preserved in the Gospel bearing Mark’s name and reflects the faithful partnership required in the advance of the gospel.

2Ti 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you…
Col 4:10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings…
Act 12:25 When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Church in Babylon
This refers to the Christian community that Peter is addressing. "Babylon" is often understood symbolically, representing Rome, a center of power and persecution for early Christians.

2. Peter (the Apostle)
The author of the letter, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, and a key leader in the early church. He is writing to encourage and instruct believers.

3. Mark (John Mark)
Referred to as Peter's "son," indicating a close spiritual relationship. Mark is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark and a companion of both Peter and Paul.

4. The Recipients of the Letter
The believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, facing trials and persecution, whom Peter seeks to encourage and strengthen in their faith.

5. The Concept of Being 'Chosen'
This highlights the idea of divine election, a theme throughout Peter's writings, emphasizing God's sovereign choice and the believers' identity in Christ.
Teaching Points
Understanding Symbolism
Recognize the symbolic use of "Babylon" as a representation of worldly power and opposition to God. This helps us understand the context of early Christian persecution and the call to remain faithful.

Spiritual Mentorship
Peter's reference to Mark as his "son" highlights the importance of spiritual mentorship and discipleship within the church. We are encouraged to seek and provide guidance in our faith communities.

Unity in the Body of Christ
The greeting from the church in Babylon emphasizes the unity and solidarity among believers, regardless of geographical or cultural differences. We are reminded to support and pray for the global church.

The Role of Divine Election
Reflect on the concept of being "chosen" by God, which provides assurance and identity in Christ. This should inspire confidence and perseverance in our spiritual journey.

Perseverance in Trials
The context of the letter encourages believers to stand firm in their faith amidst trials, trusting in God's sovereignty and purpose.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the symbolic use of "Babylon" teach us about the challenges faced by early Christians, and how can this understanding apply to modern-day believers?

2. How can we cultivate spiritual mentorship relationships in our own lives, following the example of Peter and Mark?

3. In what ways can we actively promote unity and support within the global body of Christ, especially in times of persecution or hardship?

4. How does the concept of being "chosen" by God influence our identity and actions as believers today?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced trials in your faith. How can the teachings of 1 Peter encourage you to persevere and trust in God's plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 12:12
This passage introduces John Mark and his connection to the early church, providing context for his relationship with Peter.

2 Timothy 4:11
Paul mentions Mark as useful for ministry, showing his continued involvement and growth in the early church.

Revelation 17:5
Babylon is used symbolically to represent a place of opposition to God, similar to its use in 1 Peter.

1 Peter 1:1-2
Peter begins his letter by addressing the "elect exiles," reinforcing the theme of being chosen and scattered.
Sermons
Marcus My SonA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 5:13
The Church in BabylonA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 5:13
ConclusionR. Finlayson 1 Peter 5:12-14
People
Marcus, Mark, Peter, Silas, Silvanus
Places
Asia, Babylon, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus
Topics
Assembly, Babylon, Chosen, Church, Elect, Elected, Greetings, Greets, Jointly, Likewise, Love, Marcus, Mark, Markus, Purpose, Salute, Salutes, Saluteth, Sends, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 5:13

     4215   Babylon
     5114   Peter, apostle
     5781   affection
     7125   elect, the

1 Peter 5:13-14

     5328   greeting

Library
Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 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. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Sylvanus
'By Sylvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly.'--1 Peter v. 12 (R.V). I adopt the Revised Version because, in one or two small points, it brings out more clearly the Apostle's meaning. This Sylvanus is, beyond all reasonable doubt, the same man who is known to us in the Acts of the Apostles by the name of Silas. A double name was very common amongst Jews, whose avocations brought them into close connection with Gentiles. You will find other instances of it …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

An Apostolic Testimony and Exhortation
'... I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.'--1 Peter v. 12. 'I have written briefly,' says Peter. But his letter, in comparison with the other epistles of the New Testament, is not remarkably short; in fact, is longer than many of them. He regards it as short when measured by the greatness of its theme. For all words which are devoted to witnessing to the glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ, must be narrow and insufficient as compared …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Church in Babylon
'The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you ...'--1 Peter v. 13. We have drawn lessons in previous addresses from the former parts of the closing salutations of this letter. And now I turn to this one to see what it may yield us. The Revised Version omits 'the church,' and substitutes 'she'; explaining in a marginal note that there is a difference of opinion as to whether the sender of the letter is a community or an individual. All the old MSS., with one weighty exception, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Marcus, My Son
'... So doth Marcus, my son.'--1 Peter v. 13. The outlines of Mark's life, so far as recorded in Scripture, are familiar. He was the son of Mary, a woman of some wealth and position, as is implied by the fact that her house was large enough to accommodate the 'many' who were gathered together to pray for Peter's release. He was a relative, probably a cousin (Col. iv. 10, Revised Version), of Barnabas, and possibly, like him, a native of Cyprus. The designation of him by Peter as 'my son' naturally …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Slave's Girdle
'... Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.'--1 Peter v. 5. The Apostle uses here an expression of a remarkable kind, and which never occurs again in Scripture. The word rendered in the Authorised Version 'be clothed,' or better in the Revised Version, 'gird yourselves with,' really implies a little more than either of those renderings suggests. It describes a kind of garment as well as the act of putting it on, and the sort of garment which it describes …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

A New Year's Benediction
I have this morning taken this text as a new year's blessing. You are aware that a minister of the Church of England always supplies me with the motto for the new year. He prays much before he selects the text, and I know that it is his prayer for you all to-day. He constantly favors me with this motto, and I always think it my duty to preach from it, and then desire my people to remember it through the year as a staff of support in their time of trouble, as some sweet morsel, a wafer made with honey, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

30TH DAY. A Crown of Life.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "When the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."--1 PETER v. 4. A Crown of Life. What! is the beggar to be "raised from the dunghill, set among princes, and made to inherit a throne of glory?" is dust and ashes, a puny rebel, a guilty traitor, to be pitied, pardoned, loved, exalted from the depths of despair, raised to the heights of Heaven--gifted with kingly honour--royally fed--royally clothed--royally attended--and, …
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

The Millennium in Relation to Satan.
In our last chapter we saw that Christ descends from Heaven to find an organized effort to prevent him coming back to the earth. Under the leadership of Anti-christ, the kings of the earth with their armies assemble together at Armageddon with the express purpose of making war upon the Lamb (Rev. 17:14). It is in connection with this impious revolt that we read, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh" (Ps. 2:4), laugh at their folly and madness, "The Lord shall have them in derision." As well …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
'If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' - Col 1:23. Intending next Lord's day to enter upon the work of catechising, it will not be amiss to give you a preliminary discourse, to show you how needful it is for Christians to be well instructed in the grounds of religion. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' I. It is the duty of Christians to be settled in the doctrine of faith. II. The best way for Christians to be settled is to be well grounded. I. It is the duty of Christians …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Royal Marriage Feast.
PART I.--THE WEDDING GUESTS. "And Jesus answered, and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God
1 There is a bill of indictment against those who declare to the world they are not the children of God: all profane persons. These have damnation written upon their forehead. Scoffers at religion. It were blasphemy to call these the children of God. Will a true child jeer at his Father's picture? Drunkards, who drown reason and stupefy conscience. These declare their sin as Sodom. They are children indeed, but cursed children' (2 Peter 2:14). 2 Exhortation, which consists of two branches. (i) Let …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Some Other Writers of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap L) Ancient engraving of man reading scroll] Let us now look at the rest of the books which make up the New Testament. In the days when Paul preached at Athens, the old capital of Greece, much of the ancient splendour and power of the Greek people had passed away, for the Romans had conquered their country, and they were no longer a free nation. Yet, although the Greeks had been forced to yield to Rome, their conquerors knew that the Grecian scholars and artists were far …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Its Source
Let us here review, briefly, the ground which we have already covered. We have seen, first, that "to justify" means to pronounce righteous. It is not a Divine work, but a Divine verdict, the sentence of the Supreme Court, declaring that the one justified stands perfectly conformed to all the requirements of the law. Justification assures the believer that the Judge of all the earth is for him, and not against him: that justice itself is on his side. Second, we dwelt upon the great and seemingly insoluable …
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

The Scriptures
apo blefouV ta iera grammata oidaV Many Allusions to Scripture In the year 1729,' wrote John Wesley, I began not only to read but to study the Bible.' The results of that devoted study of the Word of God are to be seen in every page that he wrote. Both the brothers must have had a most profound, exact, and extensive acquaintance with the Scriptures. Indeed, it is only a close study of the Bible on our own part that can reveal to us the extent of their intimacy with it. There can hardly be a single …
Charles H. Kelly—The Hymns of Methodism in their Literary Relations

How the Gospels came to be Written
[Illustration: (drop cap B) Early Christian Lamp] But how did the story of the Saviour's life on earth come to be written? We have seen that many years passed before any one thought of writing it down at all. The men and women who had really seen Him, who had listened to His voice, looked into His face, and who knew that He had conquered death and sin for evermore, could not sit down to write, for their hearts were all on fire to speak. But as the years passed, the number of those who had seen Christ …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the Divine and Human Nature of Christ Jesus;
HIS COMING INTO THE WORLD; HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, DEATH, RESURRECTION, ASCENSION, INTERCESSION, AND SECOND COMING TO JUDGMENT, PLAINLY DEMONSTRATED AND PROVED. AND ALSO, Answers to several Questions, with profitable Directions to stand fast in the Doctrine of Jesus the Son of MARY, against those blustering Storms of the Devil's Temptations, which do at this Day, like so many Scorpions, break loose from the bottomless Pit, to bite and torment those that have not tasted the Vertue of Jesus, by the Revelation …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

In the Dungeon of Giant Discourager
IN THE DUNGEON OF GIANT DISCOURAGER I feel very discouraged at times, and sometimes the spells of discouragement hang on for a long while. I wonder if I am sanctified. From unaccountable sources, bad feelings of every description depress my soul, and along with these bad feelings come doubts that cast gloom over me. I have prayed and prayed that these feelings of discouragement might leave me; but they have not done so. I despair of prayer bringing me the help I need. Really, I know not what to do. …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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