At first read we get the impression that Silvanus served as Peter’s secretary (by Silvanus…I have written
), and Peter is simply honest enough to mention that. For a couple of reasons, however, we have to conclude that more is happening here. The particular preposition Peter uses (by Silvanus
) is used in parallel situations in Scripture to refer not to a secretarial role but to being the letter’s courier (see the Greek of Acts 15:23: with
). Further, Peter’s assessment of Silvanus as a faithful brother
serves no purpose if he is nothing more than Peter’s secretary, whose work in recording Peter’s dictation accurately Peter could personally double-check before sending the letter. That Peter regards Silvanus as a faithful brother
makes abundant sense if Silvanus is the courier who has to deliver Peter’s letter, and so answer potential questions on the letter.
12 C'est par Silvain, qui est à mes yeux un frère fidèle, que je vous écris ce peu de mots, pour vous exhorter et pour vous attester que la grâce de Dieu à laquelle vous êtes attachés est la véritable.