{"collection":"Bible & Christianity","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/bib/cmt/vws/pe1005.htm","path":"bib/cmt/vws/pe1005.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/bib/cmt/vws/pe1005.htm","text":"Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent, [1886]\nAlso an elder (\u03c3\u03c5\u03bc\u03c0\u03c1\u03b5\u03c3\u03b2\u03cd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03bf\u03c2)\nOnly here in New Testament. Better, as Rev., fellow-elder. The expression is decisive against the primacy of Peter.\nWitness (\u03bc\u03ac\u03c1\u03c4\u03c5\u03c2)\nThe word is used in the New Testament to denote (a) a spectator or eye-witness (Act 10:39; Act 6:13). (b) One who testifies to what he has seen (Act 1:8; Act 5:32). (c) In the forensic sense, a witness in court (Mat 26:65; Mar 14:63). (d) One who vindicates his testimony by suffering: a martyr (Act 22:20; Heb 12:1; Rev 2:13; Rev 17:6). The first three meanings run into each other. The eye-witness, as a spectator, is always such with a view to giving testimony. Hence this expression of Peter cannot be limited to the mere fact of his having seen what he preached; especially since, when he wishes to emphasize this fact, he employs another word, \u1f10\u03c0\u03cc\u03c0\u03c4\u03b7\u03c2 (Pe2 1:16). Therefore he speaks of himself as a witness, especially in the sense of being called to testify of what he has seen.\nPartaker (\u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03cc\u03c2)\nThis use of the word, expressing a present realization of something not yet attained, occurs in no other writer in the New Testament. See on Pe2 1:4.\nFeed (\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03bc\u03ac\u03bd\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5)\nBetter, Rev., tend, since the verb denotes all that is included in the office of a shepherd - guiding, guarding, folding, no less than feeding, which latter is expressed by \u03b2\u03cc\u03c3\u03ba\u03c9. There is, doubtless, a reminiscence in the word of Christ's charge to Peter (Joh 21:15-17). Both words are used there: \"Feed (\u0392\u03cc\u03c3\u03ba\u03b5) my lambs\" (Joh 21:15); \"tend (\u03c0\u03bf\u03af\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9\u03bd\u03b5) my sheep\" (Joh 21:16); \"feed (\u03b2\u03cc\u03c3\u03ba\u03b5) my sheep\" (Joh 21:17). The A. V. obliterates the distinction by rendering all three feed. Bengel rightly remarks, \"Feeding is part of tending.\" See on Mat 2:6.\nTaking the oversight\nThe best texts omit. Rev. retains.\nBy constraint (\u1f00\u03bd\u03b1\u03b3\u03ba\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u1ff6\u03c2)\nOnly here in New Testament.\nWillingly (\u1f11\u03ba\u03bf\u03c5\u03c3\u03af\u03c9\u03c2)\nOnly here and Heb 10:26.\nFor filthy lucre (\u03b1\u1f30\u03c3\u03c7\u03c1\u03bf\u03ba\u03b5\u03c1\u03b4\u1ff6\u03c2)\nFrom \u03b1\u1f30\u03c3\u03c7\u03c1\u03cc\u03c2, disgraceful, and \u03ba\u03ad\u03c1\u03b4\u03bf\u03c2, gain. Only here in New Testament. The word filthy is intended to convey the idea which lies in \u03b1\u1f30\u03c3\u03c7\u03c1\u03cc\u03c2, base or dishonorable; becoming such if it is made the motive of the minister's service. Compare Co2 12:14.\nWillingly (\u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03b4\u03cd\u03bc\u03c9\u03c2)\nNot strong enough. The word is compounded of \u03c0\u03c1\u03cc, forward, and \u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03cc\u03c2, heart or spirit. Hence Rev., with a ready mind; a forward spirit; denoting not mere willingness, but zeal. Only here in New Testament. Compare the kindred adjective \u03c0\u03c1\u03cc\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03bf\u03c2, ready (Rom 1:15; Mat 26:41; Mar 14:38), and the kindred noun \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03af\u03b1, readiness (Co2 8:11, Co2 8:12, Co2 8:19; Co2 9:2).\nAs lording it (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03ba\u03c5\u03c1\u03b9\u03b5\u03cd\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2)\nSee Mat 20:25; Act 19:16. Other words are used for the exercise of legitimate authority in the church: \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u0390\u0301\u03c3\u03c4\u03b1\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9, to be over (Th1 5:12; Ti1 5:17); \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03bc\u03b1\u03af\u03bd\u03c9, as Pe1 5:2, tend. But this carries the idea of high-handed rule.\nHeritage (\u03ba\u03bb\u03ae\u03c1\u03c9\u03bd)\nPlural. \u039a\u03bb\u1f24\u03c1\u03bf\u03c2 means a lot. See on inheritance, Pe1 1:4. Froth the kindred adjective \u03ba\u03bb\u03b7\u03c1\u03b9\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2 comes the English cleric, contracted into clerk, which in ecclesiastical writings originally signified a minister; either as being chosen by lot like Matthias, or as being the lot or inheritance of God. Hence Wycliffe translates the passage, \"neither as having lordship in the clergie.\" As in the Middle Ages the clergy were almost the only persons who could write, the word clerk came to have one of its common modern meanings. The word here, though its interpretation is somewhat disputed, seems to refer to the several congregations - the lots or charges assigned to the elders. Compare \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03b5\u03ba\u03bb\u03b7\u03c1\u03ce\u03b8\u03b7\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd, were added as disciples; A. V., consorted with (Act 17:4). Rev. renders charge. Why not charges?\nExamples (\u03c4\u03cd\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9)\nPeter uses three different terms for a pattern or model: \u1f51\u03c0\u03bf\u03b3\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03bc\u03cc\u03c2, a writing-copy (Pe1 2:21); \u1f51\u03c0\u03cc\u03b4\u03b5\u03b9\u03b3\u03bc\u03b1, for which classical writers prefer \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03ac\u03b4\u03b5\u03b9\u03b3\u03bc\u03b1, an architect's plan or a sculptor's or painter's model (Pe2 2:6); \u03c4\u03cd\u03c0\u03bf\u03c2 (see on Pe1 3:21), of which our word type is nearly a transcript. The word primarily means the impression left by a stroke (\u03c4\u03cd\u03c0\u03c4\u03c9, to strike). Thus Joh 20:25, \"the print of the nails.\" Used of the stamp on coin; the impression of any engraving or hewn work of art; a monument or statue; the figures of the tabernacle of Moloch and of the star Remphan (Act 7:43). Generally, an image or form, always with a statement of the object; and hence the kindred meaning of a pattern or model. See Act 23:25; Rom 5:14; Phi 3:17; Heb 8:5.\nThe chief Shepherd (\u1f00\u03c1\u03c7\u03b9\u03c0\u03bf\u03af\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2)\nOnly here in New Testament. In harmony with Pe1 5:2. \"The last thing Peter could have dreamed of as possible would be its misapplication to himself or his so-called successors\" (Cook). Compare Heb 13:20, great Shepherd; and Joh 10:11, Joh 10:14, good Shepherd. Also, Eze 34:15, Eze 34:16, Eze 34:23.\nYe shall receive\nSee on receiving, Pe1 1:9.\nCrown (\u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03c6\u03b1\u03bd\u03bf\u03bd)\nFrom \u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03c6\u03c9, to put round, encircle. It is the crown of victory in the games; of military valor; the marriage wreath, or the festal garland, woven of leaves or made of gold in imitation of leaves. Thus it is distinguished from the royal crown, which is \u03b4\u03b9\u03ac\u03b4\u03b7\u03bc\u03b1, of which diadem is a transcript. In Paul, \u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03c6\u03b1\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2 is always used of the conqueror's crown, not of the king's (Co1 9:24-26; Ti2 2:5). Though it is urged that Peter would not have employed a reference to the crown of the victors in the games, because of the abhorrence of the Palestinian Jews for heathen spectacles, yet the reference to the crown of leaves seems to be determined by the epithet unfading, as compared with garlands of earthly leaves. The crown of thorns woven for Jesus is called \u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03c6\u03b1\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2 with reference rather to its being twined than to its being a caricature of a kingly crown.\nBe clothed with humility (\u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u03c4\u03b1\u03c0\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd\u03bf\u03c6\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03cd\u03bd\u03b7\u03bd \u1f10\u03b3\u03ba\u03bf\u03bc\u03b2\u03ce\u03c3\u03b1\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5)\nThe last word is a very peculiar one, occurring only here. It is derived from \u03ba\u03cc\u03bc\u03b2\u03bf\u03c2, a roll, band, or girth: a knot or roll of cloth, made in tying or tucking up any part of the dress. The kindred word \u1f10\u03b3\u03ba\u03cc\u03bc\u03b2\u03c9\u03bc\u03b1, from which the verb is directly formed, means a slave's apron, under which the loose garments were girt up. Compare Horace's \"puer alte cinctus,\" a slave girt high. Hence the figure carries an exhortation to put on humility as a working virtue employed in ministry. This is apparent from the evident reminiscence of that scene in which Peter figured so prominently - the washing of the disciples' feet by the Lord, when he girded himself with a towel as a servant, and gave them the lesson of ministry both by word and act. Bengel paraphrases, \"Put on and wrap yourselves about with humility, so that the covering of humility cannot possibly be stripped from you.\"\nResisteth (\u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9\u03c4\u03ac\u03c3\u03c3\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9)\nA strong and graphic word. Lit., setteth himself in array against, as one draws out a host for battle. Pride calls out God's armies. No wonder, therefore, that it \"goeth before destruction.\"\nThe proud (\u1f51\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b7\u03c6\u03ac\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9\u03c2)\nSee on pride, Mar 7:22. Compare Jam 4:6.\nTo the humble\nSee on Mat 11:29.\nMighty hand (\u03ba\u03c1\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9\u1f70\u03bd \u03c7\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c1\u03b1)\nA phrase found nowhere else in the New Testament, but occurring in the Septuagint, Exodus 3:19; Deuteronomy 3:24; Job 30:21. The adjective \u03ba\u03c1\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9\u1f70\u03bd, mighty, is, moreover, used only here. Compare Luk 1:51, Luk 1:52.\nCasting (\u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u1fe4\u1fe5\u03af\u03c8\u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2)\nThe aorist participle denoting an act once for all; throwing the whole life with its care on him.\nAll your care (\u03c0\u1fb6\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd \u03c4\u03ae\u03bd \u03bc\u03ad\u03c1\u03b9\u03bc\u03bd\u03b1\u03bd)\nThe whole of your care. \"Not every anxiety as it arises, for none will arise if this transferrence has been effectually made.\" Care. See on Mat 6:25, take no thought. Rev., rightly, anxiety.\nHe careth (\u03bc\u03ad\u03bb\u03b5\u03b9)\nMeaning the watchful care of interest and affection. The sixth and seventh verses should be taken together: Humble yourselves and cast all your anxiety. Pride is at the root of most of our anxiety. To human pride it is humiliating to cast everything upon another and be cared for. See Jam 4:6, Jam 4:7.\nBe sober (\u03bd\u03ae\u03c8\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5)\nSee on Pe1 4:7.\nBe vigilant (\u03b3\u03c1\u03b7\u03b3\u03bf\u03c1\u03ae\u03c3\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5)\nRev., be watchful. See on Mar 13:35; and Th1 5:6, where both verbs occur: watch and be sober. A reminiscence of the scene in Gethsemane: Could ye not watch with me? (Mat 26:40, Mat 26:41).\nAdversary (\u1f41 \u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03af\u03b4\u03b9\u03ba\u03bf\u03c2)\nThe article points to a well-known adversary. From \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03af, against, and \u03b4\u03af\u03ba\u03b7, a lawsuit. Strictly, an adversary in a lawsuit. Here an adversary in general. Compare Zac 3:1-5. Only here, in New Testament, of Satan.\nThe devil\nSee on Mat 4:1.\nRoaring (\u1f60\u03c1\u03c5\u03cc\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2)\nOnly here in New Testament. The word conveys somewhat of the sense by the sound (oruomenos). It denotes especially the howl of a beast in fierce hunger.\nLion\nAugustine says, \"Christ is called 'a lion' (Rev 5:5) because of his courage: the devil, because of his ferocity. The one lion comes to conquer, the other to hurt.\" Seven Hebrew words are used for this animal; six to describe his movements and four to describe his roar. He is mentioned in the Bible about one hundred and thirty times. In Job 4:10, Job 4:11, five different words are used for him. In Jdg 14:5; Psalms 21:13; 103:21 (Sept.), the same word as here is used for the roaring of the lion as a translation of the Hebrew word for the thunder in Job 37:4.\nWalketh about (\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b9\u03c0\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5\u1fd6)\nCompare Job 1:7; Job 2:2. This word gave name to that sect of Greek philosophers known as Peripatetics, because they walked about while teaching or disputing. \"St. Peter calls Satan the Peripatetic\" (Cox, on Job). The Arabs call him the Busy One. It was to Peter that Christ said, \"Satan hath desired to have you,\" etc. (Luk 22:31).\nDevour (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c0\u03b9\u1fc3)\nLit., swallow down. See on Mat 23:24.\nResist (\u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03af\u03c3\u03c4\u03b7\u03c4\u03b5)\nThe Rev., very judiciously, substitutes withstand; resist having been already used in Pe1 5:5 for \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9\u03c4\u03ac\u03c3\u03c3\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9. Withstand is, moreover, the more accurate rendering; as the verb means rather to be firm against onset than to strive against it. With in withstand is the Saxon wid, against, which appears in the German wider.\nSteadfast (\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03b5\u03bf\u1f76)\nCompare Ti2 2:19; and the kindred verb \u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03b5\u03cc\u03c9, to strengthen (Act 3:7, Act 3:16; Act 16:5). Paul, in Col 2:5, uses a cognate noun, \u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03ad\u03c9\u03bc\u03b1, evidently as a military metaphor: \"Beholding your order (\u03c4\u03ac\u03be\u03b9\u03bd, compare \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9\u03c4\u03ac\u03c3\u03c3\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9, Pe1 5:5) and your solid front or close phalanx\" (\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03ad\u03c9\u03bc\u03b1). It might be difficult to find, on the whole, a better rendering than steadfast, yet it falls a little short of the meaning. Steadfast is Anglo-Saxon, stede, a place, and faest, fast; and hence means firm in its place; but \u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03b5\u03bf\u1f76 conveys also the sense of compactness, compact solidity, and is appropriate, since a number of individuals are addressed and exhorted to withstand the onset of Satan as one compacted body. \u03a3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03b5\u03cc\u03c2 implies solidity in the very mass and body of the thing itself; steadfastness, mere holding of place. A rock is \u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03b5\u03cc\u03c2, firm, solid; but a flexible weed with its tough roots resisting all efforts to pull it up, may be steadfast. The exhortation is appropriate from Peter, the Rock.\nThe same afflictions (\u03c4\u1f70 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f70 \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u03c0\u03b1\u03b8\u03b7\u03bc\u03ac\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd)\nRev., better, sufferings. A very peculiar construction, occurring nowhere else in the New Testament. Lit., the same things of sufferings, emphasizing the idea of identity.\nAre accomplished (\u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03c4\u03b5\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9)\nMore correctly, are being accomplished. The present infinitive denotes something in process of accomplishment.\nBrethren (\u1f00\u03b4\u03b5\u03bb\u03c6\u03cc\u03c4\u03b7\u03c4\u03b9)\nLit., brotherhood. Only here and Pe1 2:17.\nWho hath called us (\u1f41 \u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03ad\u03c3\u03b1\u03c2 \u1f21\u03bc\u1fb6\u03c2)\nBut the tense is the aorist, and the true reading is \u1f51\u03bc\u1fb6\u03c2, you, instead of us. Render, therefore, as Rev., who called you; before the foundation of the world. See Rom 8:29, Rom 8:30, and compare unto his eternal glory and them he also glorified.\nBy Christ Jesus (\u1f10\u03bd \u03a7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u1ff7 \u1f38\u03b7\u03c3\u03bf\u1fe6)\nThe best texts omit Jesus. So Rev., which also renders, better, in Christ, denoting the sphere or element in which the calling and its results take place: \"Christ as the life, head, and very principle of all existence to the Christian\" (Cook).\nAwhile (\u1f40\u03bb\u03af\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd)\nRev., more literally, a little while. See on Pe1 1:6.\nMake you perfect, etc\nThe Tex. Rec. makes this and the three following verbs in the optative mood, expressing a wish. So the A. V. But the best texts make them all indicative future, and thus convert the wish or prayer into an assurance. Thus, then,\nShall himself perfect (\u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f78\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9)\nThe A. V. overlooks the \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f78\u03c2, himself, which is very significant as indicating God's personal interest and energy in the work of confirming his children.\nShall perfect. Rev. reads restore, in margin. The root of this word appears in \u1f04\u03c1\u03c9 or \u1f00\u03c1\u03b1\u03c1\u03af\u03c3\u03ba\u03c9, to fit or join together. So \u1f04\u03c1\u03b8\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd means a joint. The radical notion of the verb is, therefore, adjustment - the putting of all the parts into right relation and connection. We find it used of mending the nets (Mat 4:21), and of restoring an erring brother (Gal 6:1); of framing the body and the worlds (Heb 10:5; Heb 11:3); of the union of members in the church (Co1 1:10; Co2 13:11). Out of this comes the general sense of perfecting (Mat 21:16; Luk 6:40; Th1 3:10).\nShall stablish (\u03c3\u03c4\u03b7\u03c1\u03af\u03be\u03b5\u03b9)\nThe word is akin at the root to \u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03b5\u03cc\u03c2, steadfast (Pe1 5:9), and is the very word used by Christ in his exhortation to Peter, \"strengthen thy brethren\" (Luk 22:32). Possibly there is a reminiscence of this in Peter's use of the word here. Compare Th1 3:13; Th2 2:17; Jam 5:8; Rev 3:2.\nShall strengthen (\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd\u03ce\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9)\nOnly here in New Testament. Compare Eph 3:16.\nShall settle (\u03b8\u03b5\u03bc\u03b5\u03bb\u03b9\u03ce\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9)\nOmitted by some texts, and by Rev. From \u03b8\u03b5\u03bc\u03ad\u03bb\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 a foundation. The radical notion of the word is, therefore, to ground securely. It occurs in Mat 7:25, of the house founded on a rock; in Heb 1:10, of laying the foundations of the earth. In Eph 3:18, it is joined with rooted. The messing of these expressions, unconnected by conjunctions, indicates strong feeling. Bengel thus sums up the whole: \"Shall perfect, that no defect remain in you: shall stablish, that nothing may shake you: shall strengthen, that you may overcome every adverse force. A saying worthy of Peter. He is strengthening his brethren.\"\nSilvanus\nProbably the companion of Paul known in the Acts as Silas (Act 15:22, Act 15:27, Act 15:32, Act 15:34, Act 15:40, etc.), and called Silvanus by Paul in Co2 1:19; Th1 1:1; Th2 1:1.\nA faithful brother\nBrother has the definite article, the faithful brother, designating him as one well known for his fidelity. Rev. renders our, with the in margin.\nUnto you\nConstrue, not as A. V., a brother unto you, but I have written unto you. So Rev.\nAs I suppose (\u1f61\u03c2 \u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03af\u03b6\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9)\nToo feeble, since the verb denotes a settled persuasion or assurance. See Rom 3:28, \"we conclude\" or reckon, as the result of our reasoning. Compare Rom 8:18; Heb 11:19. Rev., as I account him.\nI have written (\u1f14\u03b3\u03c1\u03b1\u03c8\u03b1)\nLit., I wrote. An example of what is known as the epistolary aorist. The writer regards the time of writing as his correspondent will do when he shall have received the letter. We say in a letter, I write. Paul, writing to Philemon, says \u1f00\u03bd\u03ad\u03c0\u03b5\u03bc\u03c8\u03b1, I sent; since to Philemon the act of sending would be already past. Therefore in using this form of expression Peter does not refer to the second epistle, nor to another now lost, but to the present epistle.\nBriefly (\u03b4\u03b9' \u1f40\u03bb\u03af\u03b3\u03c9\u03bd)\nLit., through few (words). Compare Heb 13:22, where the expression is \u03b4\u03b9\u1f70 \u03b2\u03c1\u03b1\u03c7\u03ad\u03c9\u03bd, through brief words.\nTestifying (\u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03c5\u03c1\u1ff6\u03bd)\nOnly here in New Testament. See on Pe1 5:1.\nWherein ye stand (\u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u1f23\u03bd \u1f11\u03c3\u03c4\u03ae\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5)\nThe best texts read \u03c3\u03c4\u1fc6\u03c4\u03b5, imperative. So Rev., stand ye fast therein. Lit., \"into which stand,\" the preposition with the verb having the pregnant force of entering into and standing fast in.\nThe church\nThe word is not in the Greek, but is supplied with the feminine definite article \u1f21. There is, however, a difference of opinion as to the meaning of this feminine article. Some suppose a reference to Peter's own wife; others, to some prominent Christian woman in the church. Compare Jo2 1:1. The majority of interpreters, however, refer it to the church.\nBabylon\nSome understand in a figurative sense, as meaning Rome; others, literally, of Babylon on the Euphrates. In favor of the former view are the drift of ancient opinion and the Roman Catholic interpreters, with Luther and several noted modern expositors, as Ewald and Hoffmann. This, too, is the view of Canon Cook in the \"Speaker's Commentary.\" In favor of the literal interpretation are the weighty names of Alford, Huther, Calvin, Neander, Weiss, and Reuss. Professor Salmond, in his admirable commentary on this epistle, has so forcibly summed up the testimony that we cannot do better than to give his comment entire: \"In favor of this allegorical interpretation it is urged that there are other occurrences of Babylon in the New Testament as a mystical name for Rome (Rev 14:8; Rev 18:2, Rev 18:10); that it is in the highest degree unlikely that Peter should have made the Assyrian Babylon his residence or missionary centre, especially in view of a statement by Josephus indicating that the Emperor Claudius had expelled the Jews from that city and neighborhood; and that tradition connects Peter with Rome, but not with Babylon. The fact, however, that the word is mystically used in a mystical book like the Apocalypse - a book, too, which is steeped in the spirit and terminology of the Old Testament - is no argument for the mystical use of the word in writings of a different type. The allegorical interpretation becomes still less likely when it is observed that other geographical designations in this epistle (Pe1 1:1) have undoubtedly the literal meaning. The tradition itself, too, is uncertain. The statement in Josephus does not bear all that it is made to bear. There is no reason to suppose that, at the time when this epistle was written, the city of Rome was currently known among Christians as Babylon. On the contrary, wherever it is mentioned in the New Testament, with the single exception of the Apocalypse (and even there it is distinguished as 'Babylon, the great'), it gets its usual name, Rome. So far, too, from the Assyrian Babylon being practically in a deserted state at this date, there is very good ground for believing that the Jewish population (not to speak of the heathen) of the city and vicinity was very considerable. For these and other reasons a succession of distinguished interpreters and historians, from Erasmus and Calvin, on to Neander, Weiss, Reuss, Huther, etc., have rightly held by the literal sense.\"\nMarcus\nRev., Mark. John Mark, the author of the gospel. See Introduction to Mark, on his relations to Peter.\nMy son\nProbably in a spiritual sense, though some, as Bengel, think that Peter's own son is referred to.\nKiss of charity\nCompare Co1 16:20.","title":"Vincent's Word Studies: 1 Peter: 1 Peter Chapter 5","type":"page"}