Words Of Truth

First Peter 5:12-14
Written Exhortation And Salutations

I. Introduction:

A. This letter to the saints, strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, etc. (I Peter 1:1-2) is wrapping up.

1. We have seen that they were suffering in the flesh and that they had more of such to come (I Peter 1:6-7, I Peter 1:20, I Peter 3:14-17, I Peter 4:1-5, I Peter 4:12-19, and I Peter 5:8-10).
2. Through this letter, we have learned many things. Such as, when life in the flesh is miserable our true hope is very much alive (I Peter 1:3, I Peter 1:13, I Peter 1:21, and I Peter 3:15).

1. We saw that to be faithful and receive the end reward (I Peter 1:9), we must abstain from fleshly lusts (I Peter 2:11).
2. Even at the height of persecution, wherein saints must live under harsh conditions with proper submission (I Peter 2:13-19; 3:1-6) - be holy as God is holy (I Peter 1:13-19).

1. We know Silvanus preached the Gospel (II Corinthians 1:19).
2. He was a faithful brother which is language we see used for others too (Ephesians 6:21 and Colossians 4:7-9).
3. Such was seen in his work towards those to whom this letter was written (Colossians 1:7; cf. I Timothy 4:12-16, Titus 2:7-8, and III John 1:5).

1. The word translated “exhorting” here [παρακαλέω] is also translated as “comforted” or “comfort” as well as other terms (Acts 16:40, II Corinthians 1:4, II Corinthians 7:6-7, I Thessalonians 5:11, etc.).
2. The word translated “exhorting” here [παρακαλέω] is also translated as “beseech” as well as other terms (Romans 12:1, Romans 16:17, I Corinthians 1:10, I Corinthians 4:16, etc.).

1. The grace wherein they [we] stand (Romans 5:1-2).
3. Standing (I Corinthians 10:12, Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 6:10-13, Philippians 1:27, and Philippians 4:1, and II Thessalonians 2:15).

1. Elected [chosen; I Peter 2:9] together which is about the present and future (Ephesians 3:15, Hebrews 12:22-23, and II Thessalonians 2:1).
2. As Gentiles (I Peter 2:10) who were once outsiders (Ephesians 2:11-17), it was important for them to realize they were not alone in their being elect through the Gospel (I Thessalonians 1:1-6 and II Thessalonians 2:13-15) or in what they were suffering as saints (I Peter 5:9).
3. Marcus [aka Mark; John] (Acts 12:12, Acts 12:25, Acts 15:37-39 [cf. Acts 13:13], Colossians 4:10, II Timothy 4:11, and Philemon 1:24).
4. Peter calling him his son was descriptive of a teacher/student relationship in the Scriptures (I Corinthians 4:14-17, Philippians 2:19-22, I Timothy 1:2, and Titus 1:4).

1. There were customs that, in regions and areas, saints abode by for the furtherance of the Gospel (I Corinthians 9:16-23).
2. We know this instruction is not one expected to be carried out in cultures that do not practice it for we have no instructions detailing exactly what this kiss is (I Thessalonians 4:1-2).
3. When God wants something done, as a command, He gives a pattern to follow (Exodus 25:8-9, I Chronicles 28:9-19, and Hebrews 8:5; cf. II Timothy 1:13).

1. For example, the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-20, Acts 20:7, I Corinthians 10:16, and I Corinthians 11:23-33).
2. Another example, singing (Mark 14:26, I Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, and Colossians 3:16).