1 Peter 5

Literally, “fellow elders.” The Greek word is sympresbyteros. “Elder,” presbyteros, is the source of the Presbyterian Church’s name, since representative elders govern the church. It’s not clear what Peter means by the word. Some scholars say it sounds more like the equivalent of a modern-day bishop or district superintendent who oversees many churches, rather than a local church pastor or priest.

Peter, more literally, tells the “younger” to be subject to “elders.” Some scholars say they take that to mean young folks in church should do as they are told by the older generation. Other scholars take “elders” to mean the church leaders Peter mentioned at the beginning of this section in 1 Peter 5:1.

“Amen” in the original Greek and in English.

Silas may have been the same Silas who traveled with Paul and who teamed with Paul and Timothy in writing the letters of 1 and 2 Thessalonians to Christians in Thessalonica.

Literally, “Babylon,” a Jewish code word for Rome. Rome did what Babylon had done some 600 years earlier: destroy Jerusalem, including the Temple. Both invaders leveled the city and drove Jews from the site.

Literally, “with a kiss of love.” The greeting is comparable to a handshake in Western cultures today. But in many cultures people still greet one another with a kiss on the cheek.