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.

1 PETER 5:12KJV
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1 Peter 5:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 5:12 mean?

1 Peter 5:12 explains that Peter is sending this letter with the help of Silvanus, whom he calls a trustworthy Christian brother. Peter says he has written briefly to encourage and assure the readers that what he has told them is the true grace of God, and that they are standing firm in it.

Peter is the author, writing to Christians scattered in different regions who are facing difficulties. He mentions Silvanus (also known as Silas) as the one delivering or helping write the letter, showing trust in him. Peter’s main point is to confirm that his message is genuine and to encourage his readers to remain steady in their faith, especially in the face of hardship.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 5:12

  • "διὰ" (dia, G1223): This word, translated as "by," often means "through" or "by means of." It shows that Silvanus played a key role in delivering or helping with the letter.
  • "πιστός" (pistos, G4103): Translated as "faithful," this word means trustworthy or reliable. Peter is vouching for Silvanus’s character to the recipients.
  • "παρακαλῶν" (parakalōn, G3870): This word, translated as "exhorting," means to encourage, comfort, or urge. Peter’s letter is meant to lift up and strengthen the readers.
  • "χάρις" (charis, G5485): The word for "grace" here refers to God’s favor or kindness. Peter is emphasizing that the message he has shared is truly about God’s real grace.

Why 1 Peter 5:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Peter’s message is not just his own opinion but is meant to be a trustworthy account of God’s grace, delivered with the help of reliable people.
  • By mentioning Silvanus, Peter shows the importance of trustworthy partners in sharing and preserving the message of faith.
  • The verse connects the whole letter, reminding readers that the encouragement and teachings they have received are grounded in God’s true grace, especially important for those facing trials.

Where else these words appear

“Silvanus” Greek G4610 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

“true” Greek G227 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • John 8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
  • Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

“suppose” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

“briefly” Greek G3641 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;(as I wrote afore in few words,