Book of 1 Peter - Chapter 5 - Verse 13
The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
Meaning
In this verse, the Apostle Peter is sending greetings from the church in Babylon to the recipients of his letter. The mention of Babylon is believed to refer to the ancient city in present-day Iraq, where there was a Jewish community at that time. Some scholars also see Babylon as a metaphor for Rome, which was often referred to as Babylon due to its association with sin and corruption. The phrase "elected together with you" emphasizes the unity of believers, regardless of their physical location. The mention of "Marcus my son" likely refers to Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark, who was a close companion of Peter. This verse serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and the importance of fellowship and unity among believers.
Theological Overview
One interesting aspect of this verse is the mention of the church in Babylon. Some theologians believe that this could be a reference to the literal city of Babylon, while others suggest that it was a metaphorical way of referring to Rome, which was often symbolized by Babylon in the Bible. The idea of the church being "elected together" with the readers highlights the unity and shared purpose of the believers, emphasizing the bond they have as part of the body of Christ. The mention of Marcus as "my son" could suggest a close relationship between the author and this individual, possibly indicating a disciple or mentee relationship. Word studies on phrases like "elected together" and "saluteth you" can provide deeper insights into the spiritual significance and intention behind the author's words, shedding light on the theological themes of election, unity, and greeting within the context of this verse.
American Standard Version
She that is in Babylon, elect together with [you], saluteth you; and [so doth] Mark my son.
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