1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:1–2 Opening. Peter identifies himself as the author. The readers are identified as “elect exiles” and their salvation is credited to the work of the Father, Spirit, and Son.
The Greek phrase translated preparing your minds for action (1:13) was used to describe the action of wrapping one’s robes around one’s belt before beginning some physical activity. The modern equivalent would be “rolling up your sleeves.” Christians should be prepared to fully engage their minds in their service for Christ.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:1 Peter calls himself an apostle, an authoritative messenger of Jesus Christ (see note on Rom. 1:1). The people receiving his letter are elect exiles of the Dispersion. Peter is not speaking of a literal exile (compare 1 Pet. 1:17; 2:11). Believers long for their true home in the new world that is coming and for their end-time inheritance. Thus, they do not conform to the values and worldviews of this present evil age. Believers, both Jews and Gentiles, are God’s “elect exiles.” They are his chosen people, just as Israel was God’s chosen people in the OT (Deut. 7:6–8; Ps. 106:5; Isa. 45:4).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:2 Foreknowledge does not merely refer to God’s knowing ahead of time that his people would belong to him. It also means that he chose them (compare Rom. 8:29). in the sanctification of the Spirit. Either conversion or gradual progress in the Christian life, or possibly both. The Spirit sets apart God’s people. Believers are now holy and righteous in their standing before God. They also live in ways that show they are increasingly dedicated to God. For obedience to Jesus Christ may refer to conversion, when Christians confessed Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10:9), or to God’s purpose for their lives, that they obey Christ. For sprinkling with his blood refers to Christ’s atoning work on the cross. There all the believers’ sins were washed away. Peter may be referring to believers’ entrance into a covenant with God (similar to Ex. 24:3–8), to their growth in holiness, or possibly to both (similar to Lev. 14:6–7; compare Ps. 51:7; 1 John 1:7).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:3–2:10 Called to Salvation as Exiles. Believers must praise God for his promised salvation and live out that salvation daily.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:3 caused us to be born again. Peter may be connecting “born again” to through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The new birth was possible because God caused believers in Christ to be united to him in his resurrection (compare Rom. 6:4; Eph. 2:5–6; Col. 3:1). Or Peter may be linking the resurrection to the living hope of believers. The hope of Christians is that Christ’s resurrection is a promise of their own future resurrection.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:4 The “hope” of v. 3 is now described as an inheritance. This word often describes the Promised Land and Israel’s place in it (Num. 32:19; Deut. 25:19; Josh. 11:23; Ps. 105:11). The OT inheritance points to an even greater inheritance reserved in heaven for the new covenant people.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:5 Salvation in this context is a further description of the inheritance in v. 4 and the hope in v. 3.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:6–7 Little while covers all their earthly life before they inherit future salvation. if necessary. Their sufferings are God’s will. He wants their faith to be purified and shown to be real. revelation of Jesus Christ. Christ’s return.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:10–11 The OT prophets did not know when their prophecies would come true, but they did foretell that Christ would suffer and then be glorified. See Overview of the Bible. The Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit, who was speaking through the prophets.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:12 you. That is, NT believers. Angels long to understand fully what has been accomplished. Christians have heard this good news in the gospel proclaimed to them.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:13–21 The inheritance promised to followers of Christ should motivate them to set their hope entirely on their future reward (vv. 13–16) and to live in fear of the God who redeemed them at the cost of his own Son (vv. 17–21).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:14–15 Christians are to be holy (see Lev. 18:2–4), because God is holy and has called believers to be like him.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:17 Who judges impartially may refer only to the final judgment, when believers will be judged according to their deeds (compare Rom. 2:6; 2 Cor. 5:10). More likely, Peter has in mind both this present life and the last day. fear. Of God’s discipline and fatherly displeasure. exile. Compare 1 Pet. 1:1.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:18–19 you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers. “Ransom” recalls Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Deut. 15:15). Believers are delivered from a life of futility and meaninglessness to one of great significance. lamb without blemish or spot. This image points to the OT sacrifices. It especially refers to Christ as the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) and the servant of the Lord (compare “lamb,” Isa. 53:7). As the perfect sacrifice, Christ atoned for the sins of the unrighteous (compare John 1:29; 1 Pet. 3:18).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:20–21 God planned when he would send Christ (Christ was foreknown, compare v. 2). He chose to reveal him at the time in history when these believers lived (for the sake of you).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:22–2:10 Since Christians have been given new life by the Word of God, they are to love one another fervently (1:22–25). They are to long for God’s Word so that they will continue to grow in faith (2:1–3). They are like living stones which together build up a spiritual house, with Jesus as the cornerstone (2:4–8). They are chosen by God to be his people (2:9–10).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:22 purified. See note on v. 2. truth. That is, the gospel.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:23 living and abiding word of God. All written Scripture (see v. 25), but especially the gospel.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 1:24–25 Peter cites Isa. 40:6, 8 to contrast the weakness of human flesh with the power of the word of the Lord.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:1–2 newborn infants. Peter is not saying that believers are immature in their faith. He means all Christians are to be like infants in their longing for pure spiritual milk, which likely refers to God’s Word (compare 1:23–25).
| John 1:13 | “born . . . of God” |
| John 3:3 | “born again” |
| John 3:5 | “born of water and the Spirit” |
| John 3:6 | “born of the Spirit” |
| John 3:7 | “born again” |
| John 3:8 | “born of the Spirit” |
| Eph. 2:4–5 | “God . . . even when we were dead . . . made us alive together with Christ” |
| Col. 2:13 | “you, who were dead . . . God made alive together with him” |
| Titus 3:5 | “he saved us . . . by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” |
| James 1:18 | “he brought us forth by the word of truth” |
| 1 Pet. 1:3 | “he has caused us to be born again” |
| 1 Pet. 1:23 | “you have been born again” |
| 1 John 2:29 | “everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him” |
| 1 John 3:9 | “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning” |
| 1 John 4:7 | “whoever loves has been born of God” |
| 1 John 5:1 | “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God” |
| 1 John 5:4 | “everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world” |
| 1 John 5:18 | “everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning” |
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:3 Christians will continue to long for the Word if they have tasted that the Lord is good, which they did in conversion (compare Ps. 34:8). In writing this letter, Peter may well have thought about Psalm 34, which stresses how the Lord delivers the righteous in their sufferings (compare 1 Pet. 3:10–12 and Ps. 34:12–13).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:4 As you come to him indicates a daily personal relationship with Christ. living stone. Jesus is the foundation of God’s new temple. He is God’s elect (chosen) one. He is honored above all.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:5 Believers are living stones in God’s new temple (spiritual house). Since the pieces that make up the house are “living,” the house itself is growing: you yourselves . . . are being built up. The OT temple anticipated the new temple where God dwells (that is, in his people). But believers are not only God’s temple. They are also a holy priesthood, which offers spiritual sacrifices (compare Ex. 19:5–6; see also Rom. 12:1; Phil. 4:18; Heb. 13:15–16) by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:6 Peter cites Isa. 28:16 (compare Rom. 9:33; 10:11) in support of the idea that Jesus is the cornerstone (see note on Eph. 2:20) of God’s temple. Those who trust in him will be saved on judgment day.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:7 Unbelievers will find this prophecy from Ps. 118:22 fulfilled. The stone the builders rejected is Jesus, the foundation of God’s temple, his new people.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:8 stumbling. Tripping over the truth of the gospel. Unbelievers fall because they do not walk with God. In doing so, unbelievers fulfill this prophecy from Isa. 8:14. There the stone God has established becomes the means of their falling. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. Some understand this to teach that God has not predestined who will disobey. He has only determined the result of disobedience (that is, that those who disobey will stumble). But Peter probably teaches that God directs all that will occur (see note on Eph. 1:11). In teaching this, Peter still does not deny human responsibility (they “stumble because they disobey”).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:9 a chosen race. God has elected (“chosen”) some to be his people. Therefore no one can boast about being included. Peter views the church as a new Israel. He cites what is said of Israel in Ex. 19:5–6 and applies it to the church.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:10 Peter echoes texts in Hosea that refer to Israel (Hos. 1:6, 9, 10; 2:23) and says they are fulfilled in the church.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:11–4:11 Living as Strangers to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World. Believers should live as exiles in a world that rejects their message. They bear witness to the gospel when they live in a way that pleases God.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:11 Beloved signals a major new section in the letter (compare 4:12). Believers are sojourners and exiles (compare 1:1, 17). They await their end-time inheritance. wage war against your soul. Holding on to sinful desires brings spiritual harm.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:12 Peter refers to unbelievers as Gentiles. This reflects his understanding of believers as a new Israel (see note on 1:1). glorify God. See Matt. 5:16. On the day of visitation may refer to the believer’s initial conversion through the regenerating work (“visitation”) of the Holy Spirit. Or it may refer to how those who become believers will glorify God on judgment day.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:13–3:12 Peter exhorts Christians to goodness as citizens (2:13–17), slaves (2:18–25), wives (3:1–6), and husbands (3:7). The section is summed up in 3:8–12: those who imitate Christ and pursue goodness will receive an eternal reward.
What is God’s purpose for civil government? God has established civil governments around the world in order to punish wrongdoers and promote the good of society (Rom. 13:1–4). Peter teaches believers to “be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution” (1 Pet. 2:13–17; see 1 Tim. 2:1–2).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:13–14 Be subject. Compare Rom. 13:1–7.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:15 The godly lives of believers will put to silence false charges raised against them.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:16 Compare Gal. 5:13–14.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:18 On slavery in the Greco-Roman world, see note on 1 Cor. 7:21. Servants (bondservants) often entered into service to pay off a debt. They were not owned forever without their consent. There were laws to protect bondservants. Still, masters were often unjust. Bondservants who served faithfully in these circumstances gave a witness of Christ’s suffering. This verse does not mean that servants were to endure anything the masters did to them.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:19–20 Gracious thing comes from the Greek word for “grace.” Here it seems to be synonymous with credit. Both words indicate that God will reward his people if they endure suffering righteously. Compare Luke 6:34–35. “Gracious thing” could also mean that patient endurance of suffering is evidence of God’s grace at work.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:22–23 This crucial verse emphasizes Christ’s sinlessness (committed no sin) and his substitutionary death for sinners (compare 3:18; see also Isa. 52:13–53:12). Jesus’ freedom from deceit alludes to Isa. 53:9.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 2:24 Tree was often used as a synonym for “cross” in first-century Judaism. This may have been due to Deut. 21:22–23 (see Gal. 3:13; also Acts 5:30; and see note on crucifixion at Matt. 27:35). The unique, substitutionary, sin-bearing death of Jesus is described here using allusions to Isa. 53:4, 5, 11. healed. The healing in the atonement refers to the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ death should lead to a profound change in the lives of believers. They should break all ties with evil (die to sin) and devote themselves to living in a holy way (live to righteousness).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:1–2 A husband is to be the leader in the home (compare Eph. 5:22–33; Col. 3:18–19). A wife is to be subject to (see 1 Pet. 3:5–6) and follow her husband’s leadership. If a wife has an unbelieving husband who is disobedient to the word (that is, the gospel), she should not try to pressure him into converting. Instead, her godly conduct will demonstrate the truth of the gospel without a word. your own husbands. Scripture never says that women in general are to be subject to men in general. It does support male headship in the home (see also Titus 2:5) and in the church (see 1 Tim. 2:11–15; 3:2–3; and notes). Scripture also establishes the equality of man and woman as being made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27; see 1 Pet. 3:7).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:1 It was unusual for a wife to have a different religion than her husband in Roman culture. Peter calls on wives to submit to their husbands, but it was a different submission than was common. The wives’ devotion was first and foremost to Christ, not their husbands.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:3–4 Do not let your adorning be external. Examples of “external . . . adorning” can be seen in portraits and sculptures from the first century. The elaborate braiding of women’s hair and the wearing of attention-grabbing jewelry were common in upper-class Roman society. Peter is not literally prohibiting all braiding of hair or all wearing of gold jewelry. Instead, he warns against being more concerned about personal appearance than personal character.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:6 Sarah obeyed Abraham. Peter describes Sarah’s submission in terms of obedience. This does not mean the relationship between husbands and wives is like that of parents and children. It shows that a wife is to follow her husband’s leadership. calling him lord. See Gen. 18:12. do not fear. Peter calls on wives to trust God as Sarah did and not fear even the difficult things they face.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:7 Peter’s advice to husbands is briefer, perhaps because they are less likely to be mistreated than bondservants and wives. The word likewise is a transition (compare v. 1; 5:5). It does not imply that husbands should submit to their wives the way that wives submit to them (see Eph. 5:21–33). To live . . . in an understanding way probably includes understanding the needs of the wife. Weaker vessel probably means that men are generally physically stronger than women and therefore they may be tempted to threaten their wives through physical or verbal abuse. heirs . . . of the grace of life. Peter does not think women are inferior to men, for both are equally made in God’s image (compare Gal. 3:28). If husbands do not treat their wives in a godly way, the Lord will pay no attention to their prayers.
Husbands and wives. Peter’s statement about wives being heirs with their husbands (3:7) was revolutionary. In Roman tradition, the husband usually decided which religion his family would follow. Christian husbands, however, are to honor their wives as their equals in God’s sight (see Gal. 3:28).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:8–9 Finally, all of you begins a list of godly virtues that all believers should model at all times.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:10–12 Peter draws on Ps. 34:12–16 (see note on 1 Pet. 2:3). To love life and see good days results from God’s “blessing” (3:9). Peter continues his quotation of Psalm 34: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous (to observe and care for them) and his ears are open to their prayer (for various needs and concerns). This does not mean that God keeps obedient believers from suffering (compare 1 Pet. 2:19–23; 3:14, 17; 4:12–19). It means that God will provide his grace “to strengthen and establish” believers in times of suffering (5:10) and great need (compare 2 Cor. 12:9; Heb. 4:16).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:13–4:11 Believers are to endure hardship, knowing that they will receive a final reward (3:13–17). Christ suffered at his death but was raised from the dead, and thus has triumphed over all demonic powers (3:18–22). Christians are urged to give themselves wholly to God, being willing to suffer and do what is right (4:1–6). Expectation of the end times should motivate believers to live in a way that pleases God and to exercise their spiritual gifts (4:7–11).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:13–14 even if. Peter writes to Christians already suffering for their faith. Therefore he is not saying that such suffering is unlikely. His point is that no one will ultimately or finally harm Christians because no one can take Christ from them (see Rom. 8:31). Indeed, they will be blessed by God in their sufferings (compare Matt. 5:10).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:15–17 Believers should always be ready to provide a reason for their faith. They should do so kindly and engagingly. If they keep a good conscience because their behavior is correct, any accusations against them will prove false. Their accusers will be put to shame.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:18 This is a key statement on the substitutionary atonement of Christ. He suffered and died as the righteous one in place of the unrighteous, in order to bring us to God. being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. Jesus died physically but was raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:19 spirits in prison. There is much debate about the identity of these spirits. The Greek term can mean either human spirits or angels, depending on the context (compare Num. 27:16; Acts 7:59; Heb. 12:23). (1) Some interpreters say that “spirits” refers to the unsaved human spirits of Noah’s day. Christ, “in the spirit” (1 Pet. 3:18), preached the gospel “in the days of Noah” (v. 20) through Noah. Unbelievers who heard “did not obey . . . in the days of Noah” (v. 20). They are now suffering judgment. (2) Others believe that the spirits are fallen angels who were cast into hell to await the final judgment. In this case the message that Christ proclaimed is almost certainly one of triumph, after having been “put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” (v. 18). (3) Others have advocated that Christ offered a second chance of salvation to those in hell. This interpretation, however, is in direct contradiction with other Scripture (see Luke 16:26; Heb. 9:27) and with the rest of 1 Peter and therefore must be rejected, leaving either of the first two views as the most likely interpretation.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 3:21 Peter compares salvation in the ark and baptism. In both, believers are saved through the waters of judgment, since baptism portrays salvation through judgment. Baptism saves you because it represents inward faith. Without faith, baptism does nothing more than remove dirt from the body. Faith is shown by one’s appeal to God for the forgiveness of one’s sins (for a good conscience). Furthermore, baptism “saves” only because it is grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians have disagreed about the proper mode of water baptism from the early history of the church. Yet Christians have generally agreed that water baptism is an outward sign of the inward work of the Holy Spirit (compare John 3:5; Titus 3:5).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:1–2 Since therefore Christ suffered. Christ’s suffering again functions as a model for readers. whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. Two likely interpretations have been suggested: (1) This refers to the believer being dead to the power of sin, as a result of having died with Christ (compare Rom. 6:1–11). (2) More likely, it means that when believers are willing to endure suffering for the sake of Christ they show that their purpose in life is not to live for their own pleasures but according to the will of God and for his glory.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:6 the gospel was preached even to those who are dead. Some think that Peter offers a chance to accept Christ after death for those who rejected him while they were alive. This view contradicts both the clear teaching of Scripture (e.g., Luke 16:26; Heb. 9:27) and the immediate context. In this context, “those who are dead” are Christians to whom “the gospel was preached” when they were alive but who have since died. This fits with the meaning of “dead” in 1 Pet. 4:5. Believers will experience physical death (that is, they are judged in the flesh the way people are). But believers who have died live in the spirit the way God does. That is, they live in heaven now, and they will live at the resurrection when Christ returns.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:7 The end of all things is at hand does not mean Peter expected Christ to return soon. It means all the major events in God’s great salvation plan were completed in the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. Therefore Christ’s return could happen at any time.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:8–9 love covers a multitude of sins (Prov. 10:12). Where love is present, offenses are forgiven. hospitality. See note on Heb. 13:2.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:10 All believers have received at least one spiritual gift from God. They must use these gifts faithfully as stewards of God’s grace (see 1 Corinthians 12–14).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:11 whoever speaks . . . whoever serves. Peter divides spiritual gifts generally into speaking and serving gifts (for more detailed lists, see Rom. 12:6–8; 1 Cor. 12:8–10, 28–30; and Eph. 4:11). Those who speak must not teach their own ideas but faithfully declare God’s words (oracles). Those who serve must not depend on their own strength but draw their strength from God, so that God alone may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:12–5:11 Enduring Suffering. As the letter draws to a close, Peter reminds his readers that they should not be surprised when they suffer. God is using their suffering to purify the church. Therefore they should give themselves to God completely in their sufferings (4:12–19). Peter concludes with challenges to the leaders and the congregation to continue in the faith. They can do so knowing their final reward is certain (5:1–11).
The fiery trial. Peter warned his readers that they would soon endure a “fiery trial” (4:12). In other words, they should expect persecution. He probably wrote this letter not long before the Roman emperor Nero began a campaign of persecution against Christians in Rome.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:12–13 Beloved marks the beginning of a new section of the letter (compare 2:11). when his glory is revealed. When Christ returns.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:14 To be insulted because one belongs to Christ is to be blessed by God, because in such times the Spirit of glory, the Holy Spirit, rests upon believers in an especially powerful way.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:17–18 In the OT, household of God (literally, “house of God”) refers to the temple. Now God’s people are his temple (see 2:4–10). “Judgment beginning with God’s house” echoes Ezek. 9:1–6 and Mal. 3:1–4, where the Lord purifies his people. Judgment here is not punishment. It is purifying and cleansing. The suffering of God’s people makes them stronger (1 Pet. 1:6–7). what will be the outcome? If God’s people need purifying, then surely the judgment of those who do not obey the gospel will be much more severe.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 4:19 This verse summarizes the message of 1 Peter.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:1 The most common NT term for church leaders is elders (see notes on Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1). Apparently elders served as leaders in all the churches. Peter, who is an apostle (1 Pet. 1:1), also serves as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s ministry, especially his sufferings. Peter often reminds his readers that suffering comes before glory (compare 1:6–7, 11; 2:19–20; 3:13–14; 4:13; 5:6, 10).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:2–3 Elders (v. 1) must shepherd the flock (compare John 21:16; Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11). They must feed the people on God’s word and care for their needs. They are also responsible for exercising oversight in building up the church. They must do so willingly, in obedience to God. They must serve eagerly, not for shameful gain (money). They must avoid being domineering. The goal is to be good examples to the flock.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:4 The chief Shepherd is Jesus Christ. When he comes again he will reward with glory every pastor who has served faithfully.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:5 You who are younger probably means younger members of the congregation. They are more likely to resist leadership. Peter cites Prov. 3:34 (see James 4:6).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:6 Mighty hand of God brings to mind the exodus (Ex. 32:11; Deut. 5:15; Dan. 9:15).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him. Worry is a form of pride. It takes concerns upon oneself instead of entrusting them to God, who cares for his people.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:8 Satan prowls around . . . seeking someone to devour. He hopes that believers will be terrified by hardship and persecutions, or that they will be deceived and fall into sin.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:9 Resist him. Christians need not fear the devil. The Lord has given them power to stand against him by being firm in your faith (compare Eph. 6:12–18). Suffering happens to believers everywhere (your brotherhood throughout the world).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:10 a little while (compare 1:6). This includes the period of time from Christ’s ascension until his return. From God’s perspective, one’s time in this world is brief (see James 4:14; 2 Pet. 3:8). Four verbs (restore, confirm, strengthen, establish) remind believers that their salvation is sure in Christ.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:12–14 Concluding Words. The letter concludes with greetings and a final call to stand firm.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:12 By Silvanus . . . I have written. The sentence structure indicates that Silvanus delivered the letter. Silvanus is called “Silas” elsewhere (Acts 15:22; 16:19; 17:4; 2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1). Peter describes the content of his letter as the true grace of God.
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:13 She who is at Babylon, who is . . . chosen. The Babylon of the OT was in ruins. By NT times “Babylon” symbolized a center of earthly power opposed to God (see Isaiah 13–14; Jeremiah 50–51; see also Revelation 17–18). In Peter’s day that city was Rome. The OT background to “Babylon” reminds believers that they are “elect exiles” (1 Pet. 1:1) who will receive the promised inheritance. Mark is the same John Mark who traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (see Acts 12:25; 13:5, 13; 15:36–39). Though he left Paul and Barnabas, Mark became a fine minister (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24). Peter would have known Mark for decades because the church met in his mother’s home in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). This verse also shows a close relationship between Peter and Mark (my son).
1 PETER—NOTE ON 5:14 kiss of love. See notes on 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12–13. Peace. See 1 Pet. 1:2 and note on John 14:27.
A kiss of love (5:14) was simply a kiss on the cheek. It was usually practiced among family members. Both Peter and Paul encouraged believers to greet one another in this fashion because it reminded them that they were brothers and sisters in Christ. Such a greeting is still common in some parts of the world today.