1 Peter 5:13
She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals that the "Babylon" Peter mentions isn't the ancient Mesopotamian city, but likely a code word for Rome, the imperial power oppressing Christians. It’s a subtle way he identifies with the church's suffering, connecting their present exile and hardship to the ancient Israelites' experience in literal Babylon.
Peter is wrapping up his letter with personal greetings, and here he names two specific people sending well wishes from a place he calls "Babylon." This enigmatic location likely refers to Rome, a city seen as a spiritual and political oppressor of God's people, much like ancient Babylon was. Mark, the fellow disciple, is also mentioned as sending greetings, highlighting the community and shared mission of these early believers facing significant opposition.
Peter writes from 'Babylon,' a place that likely wasn't what it seemed. What's hidden in this cryptic name?
A City of Opposition
When Peter refers to 'Babylon,' he's almost certainly not talking about the ancient Mesopotamian empire. By this time, Babylon was a ruin. Instead, 'Babylon' was a common code word used by first-century Jewish and Christian communities to refer to Rome.
Rome, with its immense power, pagan emperor worship, and intense persecution of Christians, stood in stark opposition to God's kingdom. Calling Rome 'Babylon' was a way to highlight its spiritual corruption and its role as a center of evil, mirroring the biblical Babylon's ancient defiance of God.
Peter mentions someone 'likewise chosen' sending greetings. Who is this, and what does 'chosen' mean here?
Part of God's Plan
Peter identifies a woman in Rome who is 'likewise chosen.' This refers to her being part of God's elect, chosen not because of any merit of her own, but by God's grace. She shares this identity with the wider Christian community Peter is addressing.
Her greeting, alongside Mark's, emphasizes the strong bonds of fellowship within the early church. Even in places of hardship and spiritual opposition like Rome, believers were connected, supporting one another through shared faith and mutual greetings.
The mention of 'Mark, my son' brings a personal touch. What do we know about him and his relationship with Peter?
A Trusted Companion
When Peter calls Mark 'my son,' it likely signifies a spiritual father-son relationship, not a biological one. This suggests Mark was a convert or someone Peter discipled closely in the faith.
This Mark is very likely John Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark. He had a significant history with the apostles, including a previous falling out with Paul (Acts 15:36-40) but later became a valuable co-worker (2 Timothy 4:11). His presence with Peter in Rome indicates his maturity and importance in spreading the Gospel, even serving as Peter's trusted companion.
Understand the original words
eklektos · Greek Adjective
The state of being selected by God for salvation and service. It reflects God's sovereign initiative in choosing His people before the foundation of the world, creating a special relationship between Him and the elect.
The mention of 'Babylon' is likely a symbolic code for Rome, the heart of the empire where Peter and Mark were located and where Christians faced severe persecution, adding weight to Peter's words of encouragement and solidarity.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Peter's Ministry in Rome
The Apostle Peter likely ministered in Rome during this period, a dangerous time for Christians under Nero's reign. He would have known and associated with other prominent Christian leaders.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to scapegoat and persecute Christians. This intense period of suffering likely influenced Peter's pastoral advice.
c. AD 64-67
Peter's Imprisonment and Execution
Tradition holds that Peter was imprisoned in Rome and eventually martyred, likely by crucifixion, during Nero's intensified persecution.
c. AD 40s-60s
Mark's Missionary Journeys
John Mark, a companion of Paul and Barnabas, traveled extensively in the early church, including journeys that may have taken him to Rome and other key centers.
This passage first mentions Mark (John Mark) and his mother Mary, showing that Peter had a connection with him early on.
Colossians 4:10Paul mentions Mark here, referring to him as a 'relative of Barnabas,' highlighting his close association with prominent early Christian leaders like Peter and Barnabas.
2 Timothy 4:11Near the end of his life, Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark with him, stating that Mark is 'useful to me for ministry,' demonstrating Mark's continued importance and service.
1 Peter 5:10This verse immediately precedes the one in question and speaks of God's grace making believers firm, showing the context of encouragement and establishment that Peter is sending.
This verse reveals that the "Babylon" Peter mentions isn't the ancient Mesopotamian city, but likely a code word for Rome, the imperial power oppressing Christians. It’s a subtle way he identifies with the church's suffering, connecting their present exile and hardship to the ancient Israelites' experience in literal Babylon.
Peter is wrapping up his letter with personal greetings, and here he names two specific people sending well wishes from a place he calls "Babylon." This enigmatic location likely refers to Rome, a city seen as a spiritual and political oppressor of God's people, much like ancient Babylon was. Mark, the fellow disciple, is also mentioned as sending greetings, highlighting the community and shared mission of these early believers facing significant opposition.
Peter is wrapping up his letter with personal greetings, and here he names two specific people sending well wishes from a place he calls "Babylon." This enigmatic location likely refers to Rome, a city seen as a spiritual and political oppressor of God's people, much like ancient Babylon was. Mark, the fellow disciple, is also mentioned as sending greetings, highlighting the community and shared mission of these early believers facing significant opposition.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Peter 5:13 is available in the Sola app.
"She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son." — This verse reveals that the "Babylon" Peter mentions isn't the ancient Mesopotamian city, but likely a code word for Rome, the imperial power oppressing Christians. It’s a subtle way he identifies wi…
