1 Peter 5:12

King James Version (KJV)

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose - To say the least of this translation, it is extremely obscure, and not put together with that elegance which is usual to our translators. I see no reason why the clause may not be thus translated: I have written to you, as I consider, briefly, by Silvanus, the faithful brother. On all hands it is allowed that this Silvanus was the same as Silas, Paul's faithful companion in travel, mentioned Acts 15:40; Acts 16:19; and, if he were the same, Peter could never say as I suppose to his faith and piety: but he might well say this to the shortness of his epistle, notwithstanding the many and important subjects which it embraced. See the Syriac, Vulgate, etc. If the words be applied to Silvanus, they must be taken in a sense in which they are often used: "I conclude him to be a trustworthy person; one by whom I may safely send this letter; who will take care to travel through the different regions in Asia, Pontus, Galatia, and Bithynia; read it in every Church; and leave a copy for the encouragement and instruction of Christ's flock." And in such a state of the Church, in such countries, no ordinary person could have been intrusted with such a message.

Exhorting - Calling upon you to be faithful, humble, and steady.

And testifying - Επιμαρτυρων, Earnestly witnessing, that it is the true grace - the genuine Gospel of Jesus Christ, in which ye stand, and in which ye should persevere to the end.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

By Silvanus - Or Silas. See the 2 Corinthians 1:19 note; 1 Thessalonians 1:1, note. He was the intimate friend and companion of Paul, and had labored much with him in the regions where the churches were situated to which this Epistle was addressed. In what manner he became acquainted with Peter, or why he was now with him in Babylon is unknown.

A faithful brother unto you, as I suppose - The expression “as I suppose” - ὡς λογίζομαι hōs logizomai- does not imply that there was any doubt on the mind of the apostle, but indicates rather a firm persuasion that what he said was true. Thus, Romans 8:18, “For I reckon ( λογίζομαι logizomai) that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared,” etc. That is, I am fully persuaded of it; I have no doubt of it. Peter evidently had no doubt on this point, but he probably could not speak from any personal knowledge. He had not been with them when Silas was, and perhaps not at all; for they may have been” strangers “to him personally - for the word “strangers,” in 1 Peter 1:1, may imply that he had no personal acquaintance with them. Silas, however, had been much with them, (compare Acts 15:17-31,) and Peter had no doubt that he had shown himself to be “a faithful brother” to them. An epistle conveyed by his hands could not but be welcome. It should be observed, however, that the expression “I suppose” has been differently interpreted by some. Wetstein understands it as meaning, “Not that he supposed Silvanus to be a faithful brother, for who, says he, could doubt that? but that he had written as he understood matters, having carefully considered the subject, and as he regarded things to be true;” and refers for illustration to Romans 8:18; Philemon 4:8; Hebrews 11:9. Grotius understands it as meaning, “If I remember right;” and supposes that the idea is, that he shows his affection for them by saying that this was not the first time that he had written to them, but that he had written before briefly, and sent the letter, as well as he could remember, by Silvanus. But there is no evidence that he had written to them before, and the common interpretation is undoubtedly to be preferred.

Exhorting - No small part of the Epistle is taken up with exhortations.

And testifying - Bearing witness. The main design of the office of the apostles was to bear witness to the truth, (See the notes at 1 Corinthians 9:1;) and Peter in this Epistle discharged that part of the functions of his office toward the scattered Christians of Asia Minor.

That this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand - That the religion in which you stand, or which you now hold, is that which is identified with the grace or favor of God. Christianity, not Judaism, or Paganism, was the true religion. To show this, and bear continual witness to it, was the leading design of the apostolic office.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

In conclusion, the apostle prays to God for them, as the God of all grace. Perfect implies their progress towards perfection. Stablish imports the curing of our natural lightness and inconstancy. Strengthen has respect to the growth of graces, especially where weakest and lowest. Settle signifies to fix upon a sure foundation, and may refer to Him who is the Foundation and Strength of believers. These expressions show that perseverance and progress in grace are first to be sought after by every Christian. The power of these doctrines on the hearts, and the fruits in the lives, showed who are partakers of the grace of God. The cherishing and increase of Christian love, and of affection one to another, is no matter of empty compliment, but the stamp and badge of Jesus Christ on his followers. Others may have a false peace for a time, and wicked men may wish for it to themselves and to one another; but theirs is a vain hope, and will come to nought. All solid peace is founded on Christ, and flows from him.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

12. By Silvanus. The epistle was written by the hand of Silvanus, who may have been both Peter’s secretary and the bearer of the epistle (see p. 547). A comparison of Acts 18:5 and 2 Cor. 1:19 confirms the belief that Silvanus is another form of the name Silas. The reason for the difference in form has yet to be conclusively explained, but it is possible that Silas was the Hebrew and Silvanus the Roman form of the name. Peter’s secretary may therefore have been the Silas who accompanied Paul on his Second Missionary Journey.

Silas appears to have been a Jewish Christian in high standing with the church at Jerusalem who became convinced of the need for evangelizing the Gentiles. He was a faithful companion of Paul both in prosperity and in adversity (see on Acts 15:22, 40, 41; 16:19, 37; 17:10, 14; 18:5; 1 Thess. 1:1). If, as is generally supposed, Peter’s first epistle was written from Rome (see p. 548), Silas may have joined Peter there at some time after Silas had worked with Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5).

It has been suggested that Peter penned the conclusion of the letter himself (cf. on Gal. 6:11; 2 Thess. 3:17).

A faithful brother. The clause reads literally, “to you the faithful brother.” It may be inferred from the definite article that Silvanus was already well known to the believers and may thus have ministered personally to them in Asia Minor (see on ch. 1:1). The article may also be interpreted in a possessive sense, “our,” implying that Peter hereby recommends Silvanus to his readers, rather than stressing a quality already known to them.

Unto you. This phrase may be understood as modifying “by Silvanus”—“by Silvanus unto you.” The epistle was written out, and possibly delivered, by Silvanus.

As I suppose. Or, “as I reckon,” or “as I regard him.” This clause supports the rendering suggested above—“our brother.” Peter wanted his readers to know the value he himself placed upon Silvanus, that they likewise might also hold him in high esteem. Compare Paul’s recommendation of Tychicus (Eph. 6:21).

I have written. That is, in this epistle.

Briefly. Literally, “through few [words].” The apostle had more to say than he could possibly express in this brief letter. Perhaps Silvanus was to supplement the written instruction with verbal counsel when he arrived among the believers in Asia Minor.

Exhorting. This, Peter had faithfully done throughout the epistle (chs. 1:7, 13; 2:1, 2, 11; 3:1; 4:1; 5:1).

Testifying. That is, witnessing, or bearing witness to (see on v. 1).

This … grace of God. In ch. 1:10 Peter uses the word “grace” with reference to the gospel message. Here he employs it in a similar sense to emphasize that the gospel he has been supporting throughout his epistle is the genuine message of grace from God.

Wherein ye stand. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “wherein stand,” as an imperative, exhorting the readers to stand fast in the gospel they have received.

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Cross References

Silvanus

a faithful

I have