1 Peter 5:12

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Peter 5:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account [him], I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand ye fast therein.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account [him], I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand ye fast therein.
1 Peter 5:12 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Peter 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account [him], I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand ye fast therein.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, etc.] Silvanus is the same with Silas, so often mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, as a companion of the Apostle Paul; whom Peter met with in his travels, and sent this letter by him, or used him as his amanuensis, or both: his character is, that he was “a faithful brother” to those persons to whom this epistle is written; that is, he was a faithful minister of the Gospel to them, who with great sincerity and integrity preached the word unto them, as the apostle was well informed, and had reason to believe; for what follows, as I suppose, does not suggest any doubt of it, but, on the contrary, a firm belief; for the word used signifies to repute,…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Silvanus--Silas, the companion of Paul and Timothy: a suitable messenger by whom to confirm, as Peter here does, Paul's doctrine of "the true grace of God" in the same churches (compare Pe2 3:16). We never meet with Silvanus as Paul's companion after Paul's last journey to Jerusalem. His connection with Peter was plainly subsequent to that journey. as I suppose--Join "faithful unto you [STEIGER], as I suppose." Silvanus may have stood in a close relation to the churches in Asia, perhaps having taken the oversight of them after Paul's departure, and had afterwards gone to Peter, by whom he is now sent back to them with this Epistle. He did not know, by positive observation, Silvanus'…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“As I suppose - As I judge, upon good grounds, though not by immediate inspiration. I have written - That is, sent my letter by him. Adding my testimony - To that which ye before heard from Paul, that this is the true gospel of the grace of God. 1 Peter 5:13”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:12 with the help of: This phrase identifies Silas as the amanuensis, the person who wrote the words as Peter directed. • Silas (Greek Silvanus): Silas is the shortened form of Silvanus; both names refer to the same individual. Silas was Paul’s constant colleague after the time of the council in Jerusalem (Acts 15:40; 16:19; 17:10, 14-15; 18:5; 2 Cor 1:19; 1 Thes 1:1; 2 Thes 1:1). We are not sure how Silas ended up with Peter in Rome, but he may have traveled with or followed Paul (Acts 27:1–28:31).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Silvanus: Co2 1:19; Th1 1:1; Th2 1:1 a faithful: Eph 6:21; Col 1:7, Col 4:7, Col 4:9 I have: Eph 3:3; Heb 13:22 exhorting: Heb 13:22; Jde 1:3 testifying: Joh 21:21; Act 20:24; Jo1 5:9, Jo1 5:10; Jo3 1:12 true: Act 20:24; Co1 15:1; Gal 1:8, Gal 1:9; Pe2 2:15 wherein: Rom 5:2; Co2 1:24; Pe2 1:12 1 Peter 5:13”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification