26.6

Silvanus and Mark in 1 Peter (Box 26.3)

Two of Paul’s colleagues appear to be associated with the writing of 1 Peter.

• Silvanus. The letter from Peter is to be delivered to churches by Silvanus (5:12). This probably is the same Silvanus (= Silas) who, according to the book of Acts, previously was entrusted with delivering a different circular letter following the apostolic council (see Acts 15:22–29). Elsewhere in the New Testament, Silvanus/Silas is closely linked with Paul (Acts 15:40; 17:14–15; 18:5; 2 Cor. 1:19) and is even listed as coauthor of two Pauline letters (1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1).
• Mark. Peter sends greetings to the churches from Mark, who is identified as Peter’s “son” (5:13). The latter ascription usually has been taken metaphorically, and this “Mark” traditionally has been identified with John Mark, whose mother knew Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 12:11–12). This Mark, a relative of Barnabas (Col. 4:10), had also been a colleague of Paul for a time, but Paul became dissatisfied with him and replaced him with none other than Silvanus/Silas (see Acts 12:25; 15:37, 39; cf. 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24).