1 Peter 5:12

KJV

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

KJV (with Strong's)

By {G1223} Silvanus {G4610}, a faithful {G4103} brother {G80} unto you {G5213}, as {G5613} I suppose {G3049}, I have written {G1125} briefly {G1223}{G3641}, exhorting {G3870}, and {G2532} testifying {G1957} that this {G5026} is {G1511} the true {G227} grace {G5485} of God {G2316} wherein {G1519}{G3739} ye stand {G2476}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Through Sila, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written you briefly, encouraging you and giving my witness that this is God’s true grace. Stand firm in it!

Berean Standard Bible

Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

American Standard Version

By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I accounthim, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God: stand ye fast therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 5:12 serves as a pivotal concluding affirmation in Peter's epistle, validating the divine origin and steadfast nature of the Christian faith he has expounded. Through the trusted hand of Silvanus, Peter concisely articulates the letter's dual purpose—to exhort and to confirm—thereby assuring believers that their present spiritual reality is firmly rooted in the authentic, unmerited favor of God, in which they are called to stand immovably.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears as a concluding statement in Peter's first epistle, immediately following his final pastoral exhortations concerning humility, vigilance against the devil, and casting anxieties upon God ([1 Peter 5:6-11](/1_peter/5-6-11 "1 Peter 5:6-11 - Humility, Vigilance, and God's Care")). It transitions from direct instruction and encouragement to a formal closing, which includes the mention of his amanuensis, Silvanus, and a powerful summary of the letter's core message. The statement "I have written briefly" (KJV) reflects the concise nature of the letter, yet its profound theological depth, solidifying the authenticity of the message before final greetings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter is addressed to "elect exiles of the Dispersion" ([1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting to the Exiles")), scattered throughout various Roman provinces in Asia Minor. These believers were facing significant persecution and suffering, both social ostracization and official harassment, for their faith. In this context, Peter's affirmation of "the true grace of God" was crucial for their perseverance. The use of an amanuensis like Silvanus (also known as Silas, a co-worker with Paul, as seen in [Acts 15:40](/acts/15-40 "Acts 15:40 - Silas Chosen by Paul")) was a common practice in ancient letter writing, lending both efficiency and often, as here, a stamp of authenticity from a well-known and respected figure in the early church.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several overarching themes of 1 Peter. Foremost is the theme of **God's Grace**, which is presented as the foundation of salvation ([1 Peter 1:10](/1_peter/1-10 "1 Peter 1:10 - The Grace of Salvation")), the source of spiritual growth ([1 Peter 2:2-3](/1_peter/2-2-3 "1 Peter 2:2-3 - Growing in Grace")), and the power for endurance in suffering ([1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Stewards of God's Grace")). The phrase "wherein ye stand" emphasizes **Steadfastness and Security** in the face of trials, a recurring call for believers to remain firm in their faith despite external pressures, echoing similar calls to stand firm in the truth found in other epistles, such as [Ephesians 6:13](/ephesians/6-13 "Ephesians 6:13 - Standing Firm in the Evil Day"). Peter's dual purpose of "exhorting, and testifying" underscores the **Pastoral and Apostolic Authority** with which he writes, aiming both to encourage and to confirm the truth of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb signifies the act of "graving" or inscribing, specifically to write. In this context, it refers to Peter's composition of the epistle, indicating a deliberate and authoritative communication. It emphasizes that the message conveyed throughout the letter is a carefully articulated and permanent record of truth, not merely a casual thought or fleeting idea.
* **true (Greek, _alēthḗs'_):** Derived from a root meaning "not concealing," this adjective denotes authenticity, genuineness, and reality. When applied to "grace," it asserts that the divine favor Peter describes is not a counterfeit, a human construct, or a legalistic system, but the authentic, unadulterated, and effective grace of God. This distinction was vital for believers facing false teachings or external pressures to compromise their faith.
* **stand (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This verb, often used transitively or intransitively, conveys the idea of being established, holding one's ground, or maintaining a firm position. In the context of "wherein ye stand," it powerfully communicates the security and stability of the believers' position in God's grace. It is not a temporary or precarious foothold, but a firm, divinely-secured foundation upon which they are to remain steadfast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose":** This clause identifies the amanuensis, Silvanus (also known as Silas), a well-known figure in the early church and a trusted associate of apostles. Peter's description of him as "a faithful brother" underscores his reliability and shared commitment to the Gospel. The phrase "as I suppose" is not an expression of doubt regarding Silvanus's faithfulness, but rather a humble or personal observation, perhaps indicating Peter's reliance on Silvanus's discernment in the precise wording or the circumstances of their collaboration in writing the letter.
* **"I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying":** Peter states the concise nature of his letter ("briefly") while outlining its dual purpose. "Exhorting" (Greek: _parakaléō_) means to call near, to invite, to comfort, encourage, or urge. This reveals Peter's pastoral heart, seeking to strengthen and console his suffering readers. "Testifying" (Greek: _epimartyréō_) means to attest further or corroborate, signifying Peter's authoritative confirmation of the truth of the Gospel message. He is not merely offering advice but bearing witness to and affirming the genuine reality of God's work.
* **"that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand":** This is the theological core of the verse. "This" refers to the entire message of the epistle—its teachings on suffering, holiness, hope, and love. Peter emphatically declares that all he has written is indeed "the true grace of God," distinguishing it from any false doctrines or human efforts. The concluding phrase "wherein ye stand" emphasizes the believers' secure and stable position within this divine grace. It is not something they strive for, but something they already possess and are called to maintain their footing in.

#### Literary Devices
Peter effectively employs **Apostolic Authority** in this concluding verse, not only by identifying himself as the author but by confirming the authenticity of the message through a trusted intermediary, Silvanus. The phrase "I have written... exhorting, and testifying" demonstrates Peter's **Pastoral Tone** combined with his **Authoritative Affirmation** of the Gospel's truth. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the epistle's central message about God's unmerited favor. The concept of "wherein ye stand" serves as a subtle **Metaphor** of stability and steadfastness, portraying the believer's secure footing in the divine reality of grace, akin to a soldier holding their ground in battle or a building resting on a firm foundation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the essence of the Christian life as one founded entirely on God's unmerited favor, not human merit or works. Peter's emphatic declaration that "this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand" serves as a final, anchoring truth for believers facing trials. It assures them that their salvation, their strength, and their perseverance are all gifts flowing from God's character and His gracious disposition towards them. This grace is not merely a concept but a dynamic power that enables believers to endure, to hope, and to live righteously amidst a hostile world. It is the unshakeable foundation upon which their faith is built and sustained.

* [Romans 5:2](/romans/5-2 "Romans 5:2 - Standing in Grace Through Faith")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Receiving a Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 5:12 offers profound reassurance and a clear call to action for believers today. It reminds us that our standing before God is not precarious or dependent on our fluctuating performance, but is firmly established in His unchanging, "true grace." This truth should liberate us from the burden of earning God's favor and empower us to live from a place of secure identity in Christ. When we face life's inevitable challenges, whether personal struggles or external pressures, remembering that we "stand" in God's grace provides an unshakeable foundation for perseverance. It encourages us to lean fully on His unmerited favor, trusting that the same grace that saved us will also sustain us through every trial, enabling us to remain steadfast in faith and hope. We are called not to create our own standing, but to recognize and remain in the secure position God has graciously given us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that you "stand" in the true grace of God impact your sense of security and identity in Christ?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own efforts rather than resting in God's unmerited favor?**
* **How can the assurance of God's "true grace" empower you to face current or future challenges with greater steadfastness?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Silvanus's mention in this verse?**
Answer: The mention of Silvanus (also known as Silas) is highly significant. He was a prominent figure in the early church, a trusted companion of Paul on missionary journeys ([Acts 15:40](/acts/15-40 "Acts 15:40 - Silas Chosen by Paul")) and a co-author of some of Paul's letters ([2 Corinthians 1:19](/2_corinthians/1-19 "2 Corinthians 1:19 - Silvanus with Paul and Timothy")). His inclusion here suggests he served as Peter's amanuensis (scribe) for this letter. This practice was common in ancient times and lent both efficiency and, more importantly, a stamp of authenticity and authority to the letter, as Silvanus was a well-known and respected figure whose presence would confirm the letter's apostolic origin and integrity to its recipients.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "true grace of God wherein ye stand" finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Peter's entire epistle, and indeed this concluding affirmation, points to the reality that God's grace is not an abstract concept but a Person—Jesus Christ, who embodies and mediates all of God's unmerited favor. Our ability to "stand" in this grace is entirely dependent on Christ's finished work on the cross, where He became the perfect sacrifice for sin, securing our reconciliation with God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated in Christ's Death")). Through His resurrection, Christ established a new covenant of grace, enabling believers to have a secure and eternal standing before God, not based on their own righteousness but on His imputed righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). The "true grace" is the saving power of God made manifest in Christ, empowering believers to live a new life, persevere through suffering, and ultimately inherit eternal glory, all by the unmerited favor extended through the Son ([Titus 2:11-14](/titus/2-11-14 "Titus 2:11-14 - The Grace of God Brings Salvation")). Therefore, to "stand in the true grace of God" is to stand firmly and securely in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:22

And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

Acts 11:23

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

2 Corinthians 1:19

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, [even] by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.

1 Corinthians 15:1

¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

Acts 20:24

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

1 Thessalonians 1:1

¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians [which is] in God the Father and [in] the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:1

¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: