1 Peter 5:13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.
This verse contains more historical references and clues about Peter’s situation. First, we do not know to whom “she” refers. As a feminine pronoun, it could refer to a woman or to a feminine noun in Greek such as the “church” (ekklesia). Second, “Babylon” is a veiled reference to the city of Rome. Rome had a reputation of being like ancient Babylon. This implies that Peter was in Rome. He may still have had some freedom to move, ministry, and write this letter with the help of Silas. Some of this history is unknown. Third, we see a reference to Mark. According to tradition, this was the Mark who wrote the Gospel and traveled with Paul and Barnabas (Acts 12). The New Testament has various references to Mark. He had a significant roll as a companion to the apostles. Tradition also claims that Mark got the information for his Gospel from Peter, possibly during the days when both of them were in Rome. The linkages and deep fellowship shared among the early Christians provide us role models today. Collaboration and companionship are much needed in our fractured, divided, and tension field world.
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