OVERVIEW: The letter’s ending reinforces the message that we must make the grace of Christ a reality in our lives. Silvanus is identified as Silas, the well-known companion of Paul (BEDE, OECUMENIUS). Mark is the Evangelist, and this text was regarded by the Fathers as proof that the second Gospel was commissioned by Peter. Babylon is regarded as a code name for Rome, since both cities were pagan capitals of great international empires that were hostile to God’s people (EUSEBIUS OF CAESAREA, ANDREAS, BEDE, ISHO‘DAD). Peter seals his letter with a prayer (CHRYSOSTOM) and a holy kiss of peace (BEDE, OECUMENIUS, THEOPHYLACT).
BEDE: What Peter writes here may refer to what has gone before, because in having written to these people only briefly he was exhorting them rather than ordering them to keep the faith. But it may also refer to what follows, not only because he is writing to bear witness to the truth of the grace which he is preaching to them, namely, that there is no other way in which we can be saved, but also to exhort them to make the grace which they have received in Christ a reality in their lives. For the grace of Christ is only real to those who receive it with a pure heart. ON 1 PETER.1
OECUMENIUS: This Sylvanus was a faithful man and a mighty warrior for the preaching of the gospel. Paul mentions him as one of his coworkers, along with Timothy.2 COMMENTARY ON 1 PETER.3
EUSEBIUS OF CAESAREA: Peter mentions Mark in his first epistle, which they say he composed in Rome itself, and they say that he indicates this by referring to the city metaphorically as Babylon. HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 2.15.4
ANDREAS: Peter calls Rome Babylon in a metaphorical sense. The woman who is chosen along with us is the church of Christ established in that city. He also mentions Mark the Evangelist, whom he calls his son in Christ and to whom he entrusted the task of writing the Gospel. CATENA.5
BEDE: Peter refers to Rome as Babylon, probably because of the enormous amount of idolatry which existed in both cities. In the midst of such confusion the church shone out in spite of its poor and primitive condition, following the example set by the people of Israel when they were in captivity in Babylon and found it so hard to sing the Lord’s song in a strange land.6 Peter therefore encourages his hearers by telling them that the church is in Babylon, that is, in a sea of troubles. He also uses this image to remind them that the church cannot escape being mixed up with the evils of this world. ON 1 PETER.7
ISHO‘DAD OF MERV: Peter calls Rome Babylon [Babel] because of the many languages spoken there. COMMENTARIES.8
PEACE A SEAL. CHRYSOSTOM: See how when he has finished what he has to say, Peter seals it all with a prayer. Peace is the seal of everything he has written. CATENA.9
THE HOLY KISS. BEDE: The holy kiss is the exact opposite of the kiss with which Judas betrayed the Savior. That is the sort of kiss used by those who speak peace to their neighbors, but their hearts are full of wickedness.10 The holy kiss, in sharp contrast to this, is one which is given not in word only but in deed and in truth as well. ON 1 PETER.11
CONSECRATED TO GOD. OECUMENIUS: Paul says that there is a special kiss which is set apart and consecrated to God12 which is similar to the kiss of love, a virtue which Paul also extols. COMMENTARY ON 1 PETER.13
THE PEACE OF CHRIST. THEOPHYLACT: This is no ordinary peace, for it is the same peace that Christ left his disciples when he went to be crucified. “My peace I leave with you, not as the world gives,”14 for you are not meant to pursue peace by natural affection for one another but by being joined in a holy fellowship, thereby avoiding the blows of enemies. COMMENTARY ON 1 PETER.15