Writing methods and equipment have changed drastically in the 2000 years since Peter wrote his first book. Today we are able to type a letter that our computer can process it faster than the human hands can type. Some programs even type for you as you talk. We can then print it on high quality white paper, store it digitally or send it through an Email to the opposite side of the globe in just seconds.

According to 1 Peter 5:12, Silvanus was either the one who carried the letter to the readers or the actual penman of First Peter. If he was the penman, Peter probably dictated it to him as the Holy Spirit gave it to Peter. Silvanus would probably have written on parchment. “Parchment is made from the skins of sheep, goats or young calves. The hair and fleshy portions of the skin are removed as in tanning by first soaking in lime and then dehairing, scraping and washing. The skin is then stretched on a frame and treated with powdered chalk, or other absorptive agent, to remove the fatty substances, and is then dried. It was finally given a smooth surface by rubbing with powdered pumice.” – ISBE Silvanus’ pen was probably a simple quill.

Transition

As Peter closed his letter, he made some valuable comments that I believe can help each of us if we will apply them to our lives.

Peter’s first valuable comment for us is

A Challenge to Faithfulness (v.12)

1. Silvanus (Silas) was a faithful brother
   1. The word “faithful” as used in the Bible has a dual meaning.
      1. Sometimes it describes Christians who are full of faith or trustful in God.
      2. Many other times it means trustworthy, reliable, or dependable.
   2. Peter called Silas “the faithful brother”. He “supposed” or literally reckoned that this was true. He was not questioning Silas’ faithfulness. He knew it to be true.
   3. Silas was a man that everyone knew was full of faith the Lord, as well as trustworthy, reliable, and dependable in his character.
2. Silas’ example ought to challenge us.
   Today, there is a great need for Christians of faith and faithfulness.
   1. Determine to be full of faith. Ask God to increase your faith. Get to know the character and abilities of God. God promises that your faith will increase as you study the Bible with a heart to learn. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
      ² A church choir director was being driven out of his mind at the rehearsals for the Christmas choral concert. It seemed that at least one or more members of the choir was absent at every rehearsal. Finally they reached the last rehearsal and he announced: “I want to personally thank the pianist for being the only person in this entire church choir to attend each and every rehearsal during the past two months.” At this, the pianist rose, bowed, and said, “It was the least I could do, considering I won’t be able to be at the concert tonight.” –James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited
   2. Determine to be trustworthy and reliable.
      1. Be faithful to the Lord.
      2. Be faithful to your spouse.
      3. Be faithful to your family.
      4. Be faithful to your church.
      5. Be faithful in your service to the Lord.
      6. Be faithful at tithing.
      7. Be faithful in godly living.
      8. Be faithful to your commitments.
         Peter’s second valuable comment for us is

An Assurance That This Letter is God’s Will (v.12)

1. Peter reviewed the purpose of this book.
   1. Peter wrote this letter to exhort (comfort and encourage) and testify that this message is the true grace of God in which they stood.
      1. Evidently, Peter had heard that some were questioning whether living godly was truly God’s plan since it brought so much opposition from unbelievers (e.g., government, master/boss, unsaved spouse, etc.).
      2. It is not easy to face opposition without questioning if we are doing the right thing.
   2. The entire book of 1 Peter confirms, reassures, and testifies that they were standing right. Peter was saying “you are on the right track.”
      ² On one of our trips back to the USA, I remember we nearly missed our connection in LA. As we rushed up to the line I asked the person in front of us what flight it was and they reassured me it was the one we wanted. That reassurance took a load off my mind. The Book of First Peter will do the same for anyone facing trials or opposition.
2. When you are tempted to question God’s grace during trials, read 1 Peter.
   1. God does not always deliver us from trials, but He will always give us grace to help us through trials. God promises this in 1Pe 5:10.
   2. Trials are not necessarily an indication that you are doing something wrong. God may be purifying you through trials so that you will shine brighter for Him and praise Him for all eternity. If you are following the teachings of 1 Peter, you are standing in the true grace.
      Peter’s third valuable comment for us is

An Encouragement Through Greeting (v.13-14)

1. Greetings received encourage the heart.
   1. The church at Babylon sent greetings to Peter’s readers. This phrase literally reads the ones chosen together with you in Babylon. Those in Babylon, who were chosen of God because they had answered God’s call to salvation by faith, sent their greetings to the readers.
   2. Mark (probably John Mark) also sent greetings.
   3. It is encouraging to receive greetings from others who believe and obey the Bible as we do. The feeling that you are the only one who is trying to live a godly life during opposition can be very defeating.
      ² Centuries earlier, Elijah got very discouraged and depressed when Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. He complained to the Lord that he was God’s only faithful man left. God reassured him that there were still 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal.
   4. When you feel like you are standing for Christ by yourself, remember there are Christians in churches all over the world that believe the truth as we do. Let this truth encourage your heart!
   5. Peter also wished that peace might be with them all who were truly in Christ Jesus. This was both a formal greeting and a sincere wish that they might have peace.
2. Greetings given also encourage the heart.
   1. The custom of that day (and the custom of some cultures today) was to greet one another with a kiss on the cheek. In our culture we normally greet with a hearty handshake.
   2. This greeting is to be done in love. That is, with a sincere affection for the fellow Christian. The emphasis here is on the love not on the kiss.
      1. In times of opposition, we need the love of fellow Christians and they need our love. To know that you have a sincere friend who is willing to share with you is a great uplift.
      2. Ask the Lord to help you develop a genuine love for the other Christians who attend our church. Give of yourself to help build up others. Care for them.

Conclusion

Well in Peter’s closing remarks what have we found? We have been challenged to be more faithful (full of faith and faithful). We have received assurance that trials and opposition do not mean we are on the wrong track if we are living for the Lord. We have been challenged to be encouraged by greetings and to encourage others through greetings.

Now we just need to heed the challenge. Be faithful. Be assured by the Word. Be encouraged, you are not alone!

If you are not 100% sure you are going to heaven, that’s where you must begin. I would be delighted to talk with you about it.

Song: Follow, I Will Follow Thee, 383
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Helpful Closing Comments
1 November 2015 AM – 1 Peter 5:12-14 – 1Pe15 – Scott Childs