1 Peter 5:12–14 (ESV) — 12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I
have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true
grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at
Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.
14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to
all of you who are in Christ.
NOTE: The
"she" mentioned here is the church in the city, which is common in
the writings. Babylon represents the worldview that is opposed to Christianity.
John will use Babylon similarly in Revelation as both a physical location and
also as a worldview. This is not say that Rome, where Peter was probably at the
time, will be the future physical Babylon. It certainly is possible, but that
would be reading too much into the passage. In some ways, Peter is repeating
his previous argument. There is a worldview that is opposed to us while we live
upon this earth, and he (Peter) is right in the middle of it. Today, he could
have ended the letter similarly if he lived in New York or San Francisco or
London or Paris. They are centers of a worldview that is ignorant and foolish
in regards to the Christian faith. They consider it strange that believers do
not join in with them in their activities. They don't know why we hold onto
something they have reclassified as outdated and myth. They certainly don't
want to know that there is a logical basis for faith or that the supposed myths
have evidence to support them. They are foolish and so they wish to remain
ignorant. They prefer to hang around people who believe as they do and heap
abuse on those who hold onto an ancient and outdate worldview. They are the
Elite! They stand above it all. And my heart breaks for their foolishness.
Lord, open their eyes once again. Show them mercy. But I also pray, Come Lord
Jesus, Come.
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