OUR FAITHFUL BROTHER. 1st Peter 5:12 Faithful brothers are those who have been tried and proven, like Silas (Silvanus). He was trusted by the brethren in Jerusalem to carry an important letter to Antioch. He knew what it meant to endure suffering while with Paul. He ministered to the believers at Thessalonica and Corinth. Silas helped Peter write this epistle that encouraged the suffering saints, knowing that Silas was experienced in suffering and had stood fast when he was challenged, as they were being challenged.
Is he the same man who, with Paul, sang Gospel songs in the night? If so, on his body, too, would be marks showing he was strong in the faith, wanting to bring the Gospel to sinners and to nurture those God saved. He was faithful in helping one brother; now he is faithful to serve others. To be second or third is not easy for one who wants glory for self, but second or third are still usable when he who wants first is shelved. The difference between serving God truly and looking like a winner to men is that one has brief honor on earth, and the other has treasure in heaven. When a man God has chosen picks you to help with the burdens he bears, it is really the Holy Spirit who chooses the one to share that labor. To be faithful in service is the highest calling one can have on earth. The Lord Jesus came here to serve, but His glory on earth is not yet on full display. The Lord and the servant in heaven are recognized as laborers together, and on a coming day, both will receive honor when the nations of earth all gather.
The Master will be seated on His throne; the servant who did His bidding, Silvanus, who served Paul and Peter, will be known as serving Jesus, too. Faithful brothers and sisters who labor in service will gain a servant’s reward. Those unrecognized by many will have true recognition from God. The man who carried a letter, the sisters who kept night-watches, and the ones who went forth with the Gospel are joined by those keeping the sheep.
This man was trusted in a wide variety of services for the Lord, and he shared it as one who wasn’t concerned about being in the limelight. He was able to write down, in understandable, readable words, what Peter dictated. He knew Peter well enough to understand how he thought, and being informed and intelligent about what the Holy Spirit instructed Peter to say, he would have been guided by the Holy Spirit to put spoken words into written words, which is often hard to do.
From the scriptural references to Silas, we can deduce that he was able to work with other men, was used in a variety of ways, was willing to go to different places, and labored under the guidance of others with different personalities. Working with others in harmony and common purpose is an important quality in a servant whom God uses. The commendation of being “a faithful brother” is a very high one indeed.
Peter summarizes the purpose of this epistle with the word “exhorting”, encouraging and appealing to the suffering pilgrims to endure suffering, remain steadfast in faith, and in the “true grace of God.” He wanted them to continue “testifying” that the Christian faith they believed was the true faith, or “the true grace of God.” They had found the truth and the way of salvation through hearing of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, and should stand firm in that faith by the grace of God, which enabled them to do so.
The true grace of God in believers in Christ was the proof of the reality of the Gospel they were responsible for proclaiming, and it was affirmed by the lives they lived in an ungodly world. We who have believed God’s truth and stand in “the true grace of God” must stand fast despite all obstacles and opposition, maintain it by our words and conduct, and continually testify to its effectiveness by being faithful to the Lord in difficult circumstances, in times of persecution, and when there is subtle opposition through deceit and innuendo.
Through each one’s faithful service on earth, God’s marvelous grace is reflected, and whatever labor the service requires will bring glory when we see His face. All the believers who have been blessed by your efforts will join together with you. The “Well done, good and faithful servant,” will be God’s “Amen” to what you do now. Remarkable things happen because of God’s grace. People come to know one another without seeing each other. Word gets out that some unknown people have believed, and there’s rejoicing when we hear that Christ has been received by others in some town we didn’t know existed. Some faithful servants stopped as the Spirit insisted because there were some in that place He had convicted of sin, and though not known to the messenger, they were known to Him.
Now there’s a gathering of believers “outside the camp,” and God’s approval is stamped upon them. When they learn that others believe in God as they do, they appreciate hearing it, and a new fellowship begins. They pray across the miles they will never travel, and the mystery of the church begins to unfold to them. They get the big picture of what God is doing in the world, and the banner of “love for one another” is unfurled.
Individuals and assemblies of Bible-believing saints can share through prayer what each is up against. Victories can be shared, and sometimes problems that perplex can be shared as well, so those who are older can help younger ones know what to expect. A fellowship based on God’s Word begins to develop, and the strength that comes from sharing that work envelops. For the duration of life and for the work for God being done, these connections are maintained out of love for our Lord Jesus Christ. To hear about El Barril or Chikokiloti is as important, in some ways, as hearing from English Point or Gander Bay. Remember the saints in those places, like El Valle, Santa Tecla, or Grants Pass – and give them joy in knowing they are not alone.