12With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
COMMENTARY
12 Peter concludes his letter by indicating that the “faithful” Silvanus (NIV, Silas) has played a part in the epistle: Dia Silouanou hymin … oligōn egrapsa. The role that Silvanus/Silas plays has already been discussed at length in the introduction to the commentary. Peter’s final word of exhortation and encouragement is to testify or declare emphatically (epimartyreō, GK 2148) that “this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.” He has exhorted and admonished, aroused and encouraged. The rest is up to them. God’s grace (mentioned ten times in the letter) is, in the end, sufficient.
13 The letter’s conclusion contains two greetings and two exhortations. The greetings issue, somewhat cryptically, from a party designated “she who is in Babylon, chosen [syneklektē, GK 5293] together with you” and from “my son Mark.” It is widely believed that the second gospel narrative was compiled by Mark and based largely on Peter’s reconstruction of the ministry of Jesus. The reference to Babylon, generally understood to mean Rome, is likely intended to encourage the readers insofar as all Christians are exiles in this world.
14 The admonition to “greet one another with a holy kiss [NIV, kiss of love]” (also in Ro 16:16; 1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12; 1Th 5:26) mirrors a practice common in Near Eastern culture and certainly common among early believers when assembled. The epistle ends as it opened (1:2)—with the wish that the readers be rooted in the peace of God.