1 Peter 5:13- She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter is sending greetings from fellow believers. The phrase “she who is in Babylon“ most likely refers to the church in the city where Peter was writing from. Most Bible teachers agree that “Babylon“ was a symbolic name for Rome, much like how Babylon in the Old Testament represented a place of exile and opposition to God. Peter also mentions Mark, whom he calls my son—likely a spiritual son, meaning someone Peter helped lead and disciple in the faith. The purpose of this verse is relational and encouraging; Peter is showing that other believers are thinking of them and standing with them.
Historical Context
In the first century, Christians were a minority, often scattered and facing persecution. Churches were small, sometimes meeting in homes, and communication between them was limited. So when letters like this were sent, greetings and connections between churches were important and meaningful. Referring to Rome as “Babylon” would have made sense to Peter’s readers, as Babylon had become a symbol for worldly power opposed to God. Mentioning Mark would have reminded them of the close-knit relationships within the early church.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that the church is not isolated or disconnected. Believers everywhere are part of one spiritual family, chosen by God and bound together by faith in Jesus. Even when believers live in places hostile to their faith, they are not forgotten. Peter’s greetings show that God’s people care for one another, pray for each other, and stand together, even across distances and hardships.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of Peter’s closing greetings—a common feature in New Testament letters. The wording is personal and familial: “chosen together with you” points to the shared calling and identity of the believers. Referring to Babylon instead of directly naming Rome adds a layer of meaning, likely drawing on Old Testament imagery of exile and reminding the readers that they, too, were living as foreigners in a spiritually hostile world.
Cross-References
- Revelation 17:5 – Babylon is used symbolically to describe worldly power opposed to God.
- 2 Timothy 4:11 – Paul mentions Mark and says he is helpful in ministry.
- Colossians 4:10 – Mark is mentioned as a companion and fellow worker.
- 1 Peter 1:1 – Peter begins his letter by calling the believers “God’s elect, exiles scattered.”
- Hebrews 13:3 – A reminder to remember those who are suffering as if you were with them.
Meaning for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that believers are part of a worldwide family of faith. No matter where you live or what you’re facing, there are brothers and sisters in Christ who stand with you. It also reminds us to keep relationships alive, to encourage one another, and to remember that we are not alone. Even when living in spiritually dark or difficult places, God has His people there, and we are all chosen together in Him.
A Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in how He gathers His people together across nations and circumstances. He has not left His children scattered and isolated but has created a spiritual family that spans the globe. The greetings Peter sends show God’s care and how He uses relationships and community to strengthen and encourage His people.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The relationships in this verse point back to Jesus. Peter, Mark, and the believers in Rome (Babylon) are all connected through their shared faith in Christ. John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Their greetings reflect the kind of love and unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:20-23—that all believers would be one. Jesus’ saving work on the cross brought together people from different backgrounds into one family.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse show about the importance of Christian community and relationships?
- Why do you think Peter used the term “Babylon” instead of naming Rome directly?
- How does knowing that other believers around the world stand with you encourage your faith?
- In what ways can you show love and support to fellow believers today?
- How does the unity of believers reflect the love of Jesus in a divided world?