What is the context?
The closing names Silvanus as a faithful brother through whom the letter has been written. Peter states its purpose plainly: to encourage the readers and testify to God’s true grace. His final instruction is to stand firm in it.
Greetings come from the church in Babylon and from Mark, whom Peter calls his son. These greetings place the readers within a wider fellowship, sharing the same calling even across distance.
The letter ends with a loving greeting and peace to those in Christ. The closing returns to the shared life and hope that have supported its instruction through suffering.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Calvin and Wesley take Babylon as a literal location. The USCCB’s note understands it as a symbolic name for Rome. The identification therefore differs among interpreters; the verse itself does not give a travel history that settles every question.
Calvin and Wesley understand Mark’s being called a son in terms of a relationship in the faith. Both read the closing as encouragement to remain in the grace already received and to express sincere fellowship.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.