1 Peter 5:13

Modern

The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.

Traditional

The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

Literal

She in Babylon chosen with you greets you, and my son Mark.

Latin

Salutat vos ecclesia quæ est in Babylone coëlecta, et Marcus filius meus.

Greek

English

The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.

Babylon was probably a symbolic name for Rome. Like Rome, Babylon was a great city and the capital of a large empire. In the 500s BC, Babylon ruled much of the ancient Near East.
Babylon was also the empire that burned Jerusalem and took many Israelites to live in Babylon as captives. Because of this history, many Jews saw Babylon as the center of a world that opposed God’s people. For this reason, the book of Revelation uses Babylon as a metaphor for Rome, or as a code word that pointed to Rome. Peter probably used the name in the same way.
Mark, also called John Mark, was another co-worker of the apostle Paul. He wrote the Gospel of Mark, which many people believe is based on Peter’s teachings.

Peter concludes the letter with directions to:

He then gives final greetings and ends the letter (5:12–14).

Theme notes and profiles

Acts 12:12
And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying.
Psalm 87:4
“I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me—along with Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—when I say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”
Revelation 18:2
And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast.
Acts 12:25
When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, bringing with them John, also called Mark.
Revelation 17:5
And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
2 John 1:13
The children of your elect sister send you greetings.

Mark: Cousin of Barnabas, companion of Paul, author of Gospel

Babylon: Ancient Mesopotamian city, capital of Babylonian Empire, site of the Tower of Babel