1 Peter 5:12

By Silvanus. The epistle was written by the hand of Silvanus, who may have been both Peter’s secretary and the bearer of the epistle (see p. 547). A comparison of Acts 18:5 and 2 Cor. 1:19 confirms the belief that Silvanus is another form of the name Silas. The reason for the difference in form has yet to be conclusively explained, but it is possible that Silas was the Hebrew and Silvanus the Roman form of the name. Peter’s secretary may therefore have been the Silas who accompanied Paul on his Second Missionary Journey.

Silas appears to have been a Jewish Christian in high standing with the church at Jerusalem who became convinced of the need for evangelizing the Gentiles. He was a faithful companion of Paul both in prosperity and in adversity (see on Acts 15:22, 40, 41; 16:19,37; 17:10, 14; 18:5; 1 Thess. 1:1). If, as is generally supposed, Peter’s first epistle was written from Rome (see p. 548), Silas may have joined Peter there at some time after Silas had worked with Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5).

It has been suggested that Peter penned the conclusion of the letter himself (cf. on Gal. 6:11; 2 Thess. 3:17).

A faithful brother. The clause reads literally, “to you the faithful brother.” It may be inferred from the definite article that Silvanus was already well known to the believers and may thus have ministered personally to them in Asia Minor (see on ch. 1:1). The article may also be interpreted in a possessive sense, “our,” implying that Peter hereby recommends Silvanus to his readers, rather than stressing a quality already known to them.

Unto you. This phrase may be understood as modifying “by Silvanus” — “by Silvanus unto you.” The epistle was written out, and possibly delivered, by Silvanus.

As I suppose. Or, “as I reckon,” or “as I regard him.” This clause supports the rendering suggested above — “our brother.” Peter wanted his readers to know the value he himself placed upon Silvanus, that they likewise might also hold him in high esteem. Compare Paul’s recommendation of Tychicus (Eph. 6:21).

I have written. That is, in this epistle.

Briefly. Literally, “through few [words].” The apostle had more to say than he could possibly express in this brief letter. Perhaps Silvanus was to supplement the written instruction with verbal counsel when he arrived among the believers in Asia Minor.

Exhorting. This, Peter had faithfully done throughout the epistle (chs. 1:7, 13; 2:1, 2, 11; 3:1; 4:1; 5:1).

Testifying. That is, witnessing, or bearing witness to (see on v. 1).

This ... grace of God. In ch. 1:10 Peter uses the word “grace” with reference to the gospel message. Here he employs it in a similar sense to emphasize that the gospel he has been supporting throughout his epistle is the genuine message of grace from God.

Wherein ye stand. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “wherein stand,” as an imperative, exhorting the readers to stand fast in the gospel they have received.