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1 Peter 5:12-14
12 By [dia] Silvanus [Silouanos], a faithful [pistos] brother [adelphos] unto you [humin], as [hos] I suppose [logizomai], I have written [grapho] briefly [dia] [oligos], exhorting [parakaleo], and [kai] testifying [epimartureo] that this [taute] is [einai] the true [alethes] grace [charis] of God [theos] wherein [eis] [hos] ye stand [histemi].
13 The church that is at [en] Babylon [Babulon], elected together with [suneklektos] you, saluteth [aspazomai] you [humas]; and [kai] so doth Marcus [Markos] my [mou] son [huios].
14 Greet ye [aspazomai] one another [allelon] with [en] a kiss [philema] of charity [agape]. Peace [eirene] be with you [humin] all [pas] that are in [en] Christ [Christos] Jesus [Iesous]. Amen [amen]. KJV-Interlinear
12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ. NASB
Peter closes this letter with the mention of Silvanus, whom most believe to be the same Silas mentioned in Acts, also named as Silvanus by Paul, in both Thessalonians as well as in 2 Corinthians.
By these mentions, Silvanus appears to have been well known throughout the Christian groups in those early decades, and it also indicates that most of the early Christians knew of each other and their respective circumstances.
Knowledge of Christ, the scriptures, and those who taught them, was well known. Without any telephone, internet, television, or news reporting, as we know it today, information regarding Christ and doctrine spread throughout the region and beyond, almost effortlessly.
Absent the modern conveniences and technology, if Christianity is able to spread throughout the world back then, how much more so can it spread in our current day?
Jesus Christ controls history. Jesus Christ executes all of the details of Gods plan, even the spread of doctrine to every individual on the planet. Doctrine is never forced, but when anyone develops an interest, God knows, and therefore supplies the gospel and doctrine as it is needed and desired.
The reference to Mark is probably John Mark mentioned in Acts. And the reference as his son, is simply an expression of affection, not implying a father-son relationship. Many older folks will call younger men by the name of son.
Peter closes his letter of encouragement by telling those readers and hearers, that despite their suffering, whatever their situation might be, to hold on, be patient, and trust in Christ.
Peace is the ultimate goal and objective of the spiritual life – spiritual maturity. It is the symbol of completion of ones life to the maximum, and a designation for attaining the ultimate of all that is attainable in life, which includes security, prosperity, wealth, contentment and more.
Bible doctrine is the only means of attaining peace.
