a. The Bearer and Purpose of the Letter. Ch. 5:12

12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God: stand ye fast therein.

In his closing sentences, Peter first mentions Silvanus, to whom he had dictated the letter, and by whom, possibly, it was being sent. He will be remembered by the name of "Silas" or "Silvanus," as the trusted companion whom Paul had chosen for his second great missionary journey; he has won the like confidence of Peter, and is here described as his "faithful" Christian "brother."

Peter next describes his letter as being very brief in comparison with all he should like to write, and as containing not only serious exhortations but also a solemn attestation that the faith, held by his readers is "the true grace of God"; this grace should be shown in the conduct he has prescribed; in this faith he urges them to "stand . . . fast."

b. The Salutation and Benediction. Ch. 5:13, 14

13 She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son. 14 Salute one another with a kiss of love.

Peace be unto you all that are in Christ.

In the closing salutation the phrase, "she that is in Babylon," has been the occasion of endless conjecture and discussion. It has been considered by many to be mystical and symbolical and to mean "the Church in Rome," since Rome was regarded as like Babylon in its opposition to the people and the cause of God. The importance of the theory consists in the fact that it affords the only Scriptural support for the tradition that Peter visited Rome, and wrote this epistle from that imperial city. That "Babylon" is used figuratively is, however, a mere conjecture and never has been proved. With this salutation Peter adds another from Mark, the early companion of Paul and Barnabas, the author of the Second Gospel; he is affectionately called a "son," a spiritual child of Peter, by whom probably he had been brought to Christ.

After urging the members of the Church to greet one another with the kiss of charity to signify their brotherly love, Peter closes his epistle with the prayer and benediction: "Peace be unto you all that are in Christ."