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COMPANIONSHIP IN CHRIST
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
1 Peter 5:12

Psalm 15

 

“The earth, O LORD,

is full of thy mercy…”

 

COMPANIONSHIP IN CHRIST
 
It appears that Peter took the pen in his own hand to finish his Epistle (1 Pet 5:12). Silas, or Silvanus as he was sometimes called, was a fellow companion and preacher with Paul (Acts 15:40). Here in Peter’s first epistle, he was commended for his faithfulness to the Lord (1 Pet 5:12). It is good to have as friends those who are faithful.
 
The Apostle reminded the believers that the Gospel which he preached and which they believed is the truth. Later he taught that false teachers would arise as the end drew near. So, we must be exhorted to stand fast and we must also exhort one another to do so (Heb 10:25; 1 Cor 16:13). One of the great strengthening factors in these final days is to fellowship with God’s faithful people, to have real Christian companionship within the true Church of God (Heb 10:23-25).
 
Peter exhibited his feelings of Christian oneness as he took time to send greetings. The believers at Babylon sent their greetings through his Epistle. They, too, were the elect of God, even as many true believers who would read Peter’s words down through the centuries. Could these believers in Babylon actually be the young church at Rome, then faithful but who in later years would become so cold and lifeless (Rev 14:8; 16:19)? Did they perhaps, in the pride of the accomplishments of their great civilisation, become careless in their companionships and defence of the faith (1 Pet 5:13)?
 
The Christian greeting of a holy kiss is often mentioned in Scripture (1 Pet 5:14). It soon began to be misused. The church fathers spoke of it as having become hypocritical. Today, the warm greeting of a hand shake, coupled with goodwill and concern, serve to show our Christian love. We need the strength of one another’s concern and fellowship. May God always keep the importance of this truth before us.
 
THOUGHT: What is a great strengthening factor to me in these final days?
PRAYER: Father, may I constantly remember to exhort others to good work.

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