I Peter 5:12

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' faithfulness to them; he therefore says, "faithful to you, as I suppose," from the accounts I hear; not expressing doubt. ALFORD joins "I have written unto you," which the Greek order favors. The seeming uncertainty, thus, is not as to Silvanus' faithfulness, which strongly marked by the Greek article, but as to whether he or some other would prove to be the bearer of the letter, addressed as it was to five provinces, all of which Silvanus might not reach: "By Silvanus, that faithful brother, as expect, I have Written to you" [BIRKS]. briefly--Greek, "in few (words)," as compared with the importance of the subject (Heb 13:22). exhorting--not so much formally teaching doctrines, which could not be done in so "few words." testifying--bearing my testimony in confirmation (so the Greek compound verb implies) of that truth which ye have already heard from Paul and Silas (Jo1 2:27). that this--of which I have just written, and of which Paul before testified to you (whose testimony, now that he was no longer in those regions, was called in question probably by some; compare Pe2 3:15-16). Pe2 1:12,…

In which the apostle gives particular directions, first to the elders, how to behave themselves towards their flock (Pe1 5:1-4); then to the younger, to be obedient and humble, and to cast their care upon God (Pe1 5:5-7). He then exhorts all to sobriety, watchfulness against temptations, and stedfastness in the faith, praying earnestly for them; and so concludes his epistle with a solemn doxology, mutual salutations, and his apostolical benediction.

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).