1 Peter 5:12-14
To you all, through Silvanus, the faithful brother as I
regard him, through a few words I write while encouraging and while witnessing
this to be the true grace of God – into which you stand firm. The chosen one in Babylon and also Mark, my
son, greets you all. Greet one another with
a holy kiss. Peace to you all: the ones
in Christ.
Thoughts for Today
First Thought:
While we don’t necessarily know that this man that Peter
calls Silvanus is the same man that journeyed faithfully besides Paul, it is
church tradition that this was indeed the same man. If we think about this possibility, it really
speaks to the character of Silvanus (Silas).
Here is a man who Peter considered a faithful man. Here is a man that Paul considered a faithful
man. Yet he doesn’t have a book in the
Bible written by him. I’m willing to bet
a number of Christians don’t even know his name. He was content always being the second
fiddle. What a great model of humble
service to God. Silvanus was always willing
to do what God desired regardless of whether he got the glory or not.
In what way is Silvanus a great example of the characteristics
of leadership that Peter has been talking about the whole second half of this
letter?
Second Thought:
Here at the end Peter tells us one of his major reasons for
writing. He wants to be a witness to the
grace of God. He wants to make sure that
people everywhere can understand what the true grace of God is. He wants to make sure that people know the
restorative power of God. Peter is
focused on getting the message of God out to the world. In this, he truly is an apostle of Christ:
one who is sent with a message from God.
Are you impressed with Peter’s focus? In what way can this be inspirational? In what way are you able to focus on
proclaiming the restorative power of God?
Third Thought:
What is the point upon which Peter
ends? Peace. Peter extends God’s peace. What does God’s peace do within us? God’s peace allows us to have peace with one
another. God’s peace allows us to be
community. God’s peace allows us to long
for the best in others and not live in jealousy. What a great place to end.
Where do you feel God’s peace in your
life? Where does God’s peace overflow
into the rest of your life and your relationships with others?
Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Peter 1:1-2
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