Peter's presence in Rome is indicated in his first letter. The

name "Babylon" is used here as a cryptic name for the

city of Rome, a characteristic of writings done during times of

persecution. During Peter's time (witnessed by his own

martyrdom) and most New Testament times (witness the

Book of Revelation--classic persecution literature), Rome

took on the characteristics of the most outstanding example

of a world power hostile to God--ancient Babylon.