1 Peter 5:1-12

Bible Text

[1] I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed. [2] Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; [3] neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock. [4] When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn't fade away. [5] Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; [7] casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. [8] Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. [9] Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. [10] But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. [11] To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. [12] Through Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

“Babylon” in 1 Peter 5:13 is commonly understood as a symbolic name for Rome, the imperial center from which Peter sends greetings to churches facing suffering and social pressure. The name evokes Old Testament Babylon as a place of exile and opposition to God’s people, fitting Peter’s theme of believers living as exiles.

Places in this passage

1 Peter 5:1-12 mentions Babylon.