Notes on 1 and 2 Peter, "Rejoice with Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory"; CFM study for Nov. 25 - Dec. 1

About 1 Peter

• "Peter wrote the First Epistle of Peter from “Babylon” (1 Peter 5:13), which may have been a symbolic reference to Rome (see Revelation 14:8; 17:5). It is generally accepted that Peter’s death occurred sometime during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero—probably after A.D. 64, when Nero began a widespread persecution of Christians. Therefore, the epistle was likely written between A.D. 62 and 64. . . Peter’s counsel was very timely because Church members were about to enter a period of heightened persecution. Until A.D. 64, about the time when Peter wrote this epistle, the Roman government displayed a general tolerance for Christianity. In July of that year a fire destroyed much of Rome. It was rumored that Emperor Nero himself ordered the fire to be started. In an effort to divert blame for the disaster, Nero accused the Christians of starting the fire. This led to the intense persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire. Some of the mistreatment experienced by Christians came from their former friends and neighbors." (New Testament Student Manual)
• Written "by way of Silvanus," (1 Peter 5:12) this letter could have had him as scribe or as a letter carrier.  "Silvanus, also known as Silas, had previously served as both a scribe and a mission companion to Paul (see Acts 15:22, 32–34, 40; 1 Thessalonians 1:1)." (New Testament Student Manual)
• This letter speaks of suffering and trials more than any other in the New Testament.  Terry B. Ball points out that this letter was likely written to prepare the saints for the persecutions that would soon intensify.  "Yet another widely held and helpful approach is to view the letter as being written to warn, prepare, and bolster the Saints for difficult times ahead—times when their lives would be threatened and their faith challenged."  He quotes the historian Tacitus about the persecution that came, "“But all human efforts, all the largesses of the emperor, all the propitiations of the gods, failed to dispel the sinister belief that the conflagration had been ordered. Consequently, to scotch the rumor, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures upon a group hated for their abominations, whom the populace called Christians. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, had been condemned to death in the reign of Tiberius by the procurator Pontius Pilate, and the pernicious superstition, thus suppressed for the moment, was breaking out again not only in Judea, the original source of this evil, but even in Rome, where all things horrible or shameful from all parts of the world collect and become popular. First, then, those who confessed membership were arrested; then, on their information, great numbers were convicted, not so much of guilt for the conflagration as of hatred of the human race. And mockery was added to their deaths: they were covered with the skins of wild beasts and torn to death by dogs, or they were nailed to crosses and, when daylight failed, were set on fire and burned to provide light at night. Nero had offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was providing circus games, mingling with the populace in the dress of a charioteer or driving a chariot. Hence, though they were deserving of the most extreme punishment, a feeling of pity arose as people felt that they were being sacrificed not for the public good but because of the savagery of one man.” [3]"

Opening Address and The Test of Faith, 1 Peter 1:1-12

• Verses 6-7 teach about the blessings that come from trial, a theme that will be repeated,  "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"  
• Our trials and suffering are meant to make us better, like gold that is refined through fire.  How have your hardest experiences refined you?
• From Elder Neal L. Anderson, "The Apostle Peter identified something he called a “trial of your faith.” He had experienced it. Remember Jesus’s words:
  
  “Simon, … Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
  
  “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.”
  
  Peter later encouraged others: “Think it not strange,” he said, “concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”
  
  These fiery trials are designed to make you stronger, but they have the potential to diminish or even destroy your trust in the Son of God and to weaken your resolve to keep your promises to Him. These trials are often camouflaged, making them difficult to identify. They take root in our weaknesses, our vulnerabilities, our sensitivities, or in those things that matter most to us. A real but manageable test for one can be a fiery trial for another.
  
  How do you remain “steadfast and immovable” during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others.When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view."
• Peter says the "end" of your faith is "the salvation of your souls."  The student manual points out that "“The end” in this passage can also be translated as “outcome” or “goal” (1 Peter 1:9, footnote a); therefore, Peter’s point was that Saints who endure adversity can receive their ultimate goal of salvation through Jesus Christ. For some Christians in Peter’s day, enduring in faith did not mean enduring mortal difficulties such as illness. For them, enduring in faith resulted in their deaths. Peter’s testimony was intended to strengthen all the Saints of his time, including those whose faith would cost them their lives." 
• Though Peter was an eyewitness, many of the saints he wrote to had never seen Christ, but loved him anyway (v. 8).  In this way, they are like us, living in faith on the testimonies of those who have seen him and know him.

You Shall Be Holy,  1 Peter 1:13-25

• My favorite passage from this section is verse 18-19, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"  We were bought with a price, but not one that can be counted in money.  
• Elder Holland speaks of the saving blood of this Lamb, "After expulsion from the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve faced a devastating future. Having opened the door to mortality and temporal life for us, they had closed the door to immortality and eternal life for themselves. Due to a transgression they had consciously chosen to make in our behalf, they now faced physical death and spiritual banishment, separation from the presence of God forever. What were they to do? Would there be a way out of this plight? We are not certain just how much these two were allowed to remember of the instruction they received while still in the garden, but they did remember they were to regularly offer for a sacrifice unto God a pure, unblemished lamb, the first male born of their flock.
  
  Later an angel came to explain that this sacrifice was a type, a prefiguration of the offering that would be made in their behalf by the Savior of the world who was to come. “This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father,” the angel said. “Wherefore, … thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.” Fortunately, there was going to be a way out and a way up.In the premortal councils of heaven, God had promised Adam and Eve (and all the rest of us) that help would come from His pure, unblemished Firstborn Son, the Lamb of God “slain from the foundation of the world,” as the Apostle John would later describe Him. By offering their own little symbolic lambs in mortality, Adam and his posterity were expressing their understanding of and their dependence upon the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Anointed One."   
• Verse 20 reinforces the constant refrain that Christ was chosen from the beginning, "foreordained before the foundation of the world."
• We are temporary and mortal, like grass (a reference to Isaiah), "but the word of the Lord endureth for ever."

A Royal Priesthood,  1 Peter 2:1-10

• Christ was a foundation stone for those who accepted him and a stumbling block for others (v. 4, 7-8).  We are living stones building his "spiritual house."  As a "holy priesthood," we offer up not the physical sacrifices of ancient times, but "spiritual sacrifices." (v. 5).  What spiritual sacrifices do you offer up as part of your "broken heart and contrite spirit?" (3 Nephi 9:19-20)
• "Peter called the Saints “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9). Peter’s message was that by embracing the gospel, gentile converts had become part of God’s chosen people, the new Israel. They were the chosen nation (see Isaiah 43:20), a royal “kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Concerning the term “peculiar people,” President Russell M. Nelson taught: “In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term from which peculiar was translated is segullah, which means ‘valued property,’ or ‘treasure.’ In the New Testament, the Greek term from which peculiar was translated is peripoiesis, which means ‘possession,’ or ‘an obtaining.’
  
  “Thus, we see that the scriptural term peculiar signifies ‘valued treasure,’ ‘made’ or ‘selected by God.’ For us to be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar people is a compliment of the highest order” (“Children of the Covenant,” Ensign, May 1995, 34). " (New Testament Student Manual)
• We, like the saints Peter wrote to, have been "called out of darkness into his marvellous light" and though we weren't in any way related before, we are now "the people of God." (v. 9-10).  I always marvel that no matter where I am in the world, I find brothers and sisters when I attend Church.  

Accept Authority,  1 Peter 2:11-17

• As we discussed with Philemon, the gospel is meant to change people one by one, who then change their environment.  We aren't a social justice movement or rebellion.  Even though the government and "systems" around the people were corrupt, the saints were to live in peace and use their Christlike attributes to influence those around them.  The people are "free" in Christ, but they should use their liberty to "honour all men.  Love the brotherhood.  Fear God. Honour the king."
• From Terry B. Ball, "Peter was anxious for the Saints to understand that they should live above reproach and thereby give no justification to those looking for excuse to persecute them. He urged the Saints to be honest, law abiding, and obedient to governing entities (see 1 Peter 2:12–14; 4:15). He exhorts them to “honour all men,” as well as those of the faith, and to not only fear God but also “honour the King” (1 Peter 2:17). He commands servants to be subject to their masters whether those masters be good or evil (see 1 Peter 2:18). He promises them that with such “well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” and that God is pleased if they are willing to “endure grief, suffering wrongfully” for their faith (see 1 Peter 2:15, 19). He reasons that there is no glory in suffering patiently for their faults, but if they patiently suffer for well doing “this is acceptable with God” (1 Peter 2:20)."

Counsel about Servants,  1 Peter 2:18-25

• "In 1 Peter 2:18–25, Peter specifically addressed household servants, who in the Roman Empire were almost always slaves and were often mistreated by their masters. He taught about the difference between suffering for one’s faults and enduring undeserved punishment (see 1 Peter 2:20). Peter encouraged servants to learn from the example of Jesus Christ, who was falsely accused before Jewish and Roman leaders and yet did not retaliate (see 1 Peter 2:23). The Greek word Peter used that was translated as buffeted (1 Peter 2:20) literally means “to be struck with fists” and is the term used by both Matthew and Mark to describe the treatment of the Master (see Matthew 26:67; Mark 14:65). Peter hinted at the contemptuous scorn of the Jewish leaders and Christ’s silent acceptance of it (see 1 Peter 2:23). Peter mentioned the stripes the Lord received, using the word which means “bruise” or the “bloody welt which results from lashing with a whip,” which is exactly the result of a Roman scourging (see Isaiah 53:5–12).
  While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder Alexander B. Morrison taught: “Peter, the great apostle, who himself suffered a martyr’s death (see John 21:18–19), recognized that divine merit is associated with patient suffering for Christ’s sake but that little glory accrues to us if we suffer for our own sins. [1 Peter 2:19–20.] As we endure undeserved suffering, we develop Christlike attributes that perfect our souls and bring us closer to Him”" (New Testament Student Manual)
• Christ's humble, submissive example is the one we should follow. (v. 21-15)

Counsel for Wives and Husbands,  1 Peter 3:1-7

• The advice to women to be "in subjection" should be read in the context of the last few sections about putting up with the world as it is while living the gospel and hoping that your example will effect change.  It seems that many wives joined the Church without their husbands.  In the Roman world, wives and servants were expected to worship and follow the leadership of the husband.  The hope is that the husbands will be "won over without a word by the conduct of their spouses when they see your respectful and holy conduct" (v.1-2, Wayment translation).  
• This shouldn't be seen as an endorsement of a husband ruling in his family or a wife being inferior.  "In 1 Peter 3:1–6, Peter encouraged Christian wives to be “in subjection” to their nonbelieving husbands who “obey not the word” in order to win them over for Christ by their righteous conduct (1 Peter 3:1). The use of the word subjection should not be understood as a passive or docile obedience. Rather, the words subjection and submissive are used in the scriptures to mean selflessness, humility, and love within relationships (see Hebrews 12:9; Alma 7:23). The teachings of the Restoration make clear that both the husband and the wife should be humble, submissive, and selfless in their interactions with one another (see the commentary for Ephesians 5:21–25). Peter taught that female Saints who show devotion to God follow in the tradition of holy women, such as Sarah the wife of Abraham (see 1 Peter 3:5–6; for additional insights, see the commentary for 1 Timothy 2:9–10)."
• When Peter described women as the “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7), he could have simply meant that in most cases women have less physical strength than men. Peter did not imply that women are any less worthy than men; in fact, he went on to say that women are “heirs together [with men] of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7; see also the commentary for Ephesians 5:21–25)" (New Testament Student Manual)
• Despite Hollywood's indoctrination to the contrary, women are generally weaker than men. Almost every action movie in the last 10 to 15 years has a fight scene where women go head-to-head with strong men and hold their own. In real life, this is the rare exception, not truth. A fit man who works out and is in peak condition will always be stronger than a fit woman who does the same.

Women, who are often pregnant or breastfeeding, are vulnerable and in need of protection, especially in an ancient setting. Modern life has meant that we don't need that regular protecting role as often. This whole letter, 2 Peter, is given in the context of the saints suffering persecution -- likely imprisonment, beatings and more -- as a result of their faith. I can certainly see why counsel for men to take care of their physically weaker wives in such circumstances is timely.

• Some of what Peter says here, especially about being "heirs together" is pretty revolutionary.  I quoted an article earlier by Rachel Held Evans that's worth re-reading to understand how Peter is taking the "household codes" of his time and reinventing them through Christ.  Husbands are supposed to be understanding and honor their wives and see them as joint-heirs.

Suffering as a Result of Being Righteous,  1 Peter 3:8-22

• When suffering, they should follow the counsel of Christ in not returning "evil for evil or railing for railing." (v. 9)  This is counsel that is so hard for human nature to follow.  It's so easy for my kids to begin arguing and fighting and justify it based on the other person's behavior.  "She did it first!" is a common sentiment, along with not accepting responsibility for their own part of the contention because their sibling is the one with the problem in their eyes.  Do we ever justify our own bad behavior because of the bad behavior of others?  How do we avoid reacting badly when we are provoked?
• "In the phrase “be ready always to give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15), the word “answer” is translated from the Greek word apologia, which can also be translated as “defense” (see 1 Peter 3:15, footnote b). This Greek word is the root of apologetics, a term used to describe the defense of religious beliefs." (New Testament Student Manual)  We should live in happiness and let others see the "hope that is in" us.
• Verses 18-20 brought about the vision of the spirit world described in D&C 138.  "Peter’s words contain perhaps the clearest biblical references to the spirit world and what takes place there. Peter briefly mentioned that Jesus Christ visited the spirit world to preach to the disobedient spirits who had lived in Noah’s day (see 1 Peter 3:18–20). He added that the gospel was preached to the dead to allow deceased individuals a chance to be judged equitably (see 1 Peter 4:5–6). Peter’s writings demonstrate his growth from a simple fisherman to a mighty Apostle.
  
  In our dispensation, President Joseph F. Smith was pondering the meaning of 1 Peter 3:18–20 and 1 Peter 4:6 when he received a revelation clarifying doctrines regarding the spirit world (see D&C 138)." (New Testament Student Manual)
• A quote by President Joesph Fielding Smith, the son of Joseph F., adds, “In the justice of the Father, he is going to give to every man the privilege of hearing the gospel. Not one soul shall be overlooked or forgotten. This being true, what about the countless thousands who have died and never heard of Christ, never had an opportunity of repentance and remission of their sins, never met an elder of the Church holding the authority? …
  
  “The Lord has so arranged his plan of redemption that all who have died without this opportunity shall be given it in the spirit world. … All those who did not have an opportunity here to receive it, who there repent and receive the gospel, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God. The Savior inaugurated this great work when he went and preached to the spirits held in prison, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh (or in other words, according to the principles of the gospel) and then live according to God in the spirit, through their repentance and acceptance of the mission of Jesus Christ who died for them”" (New Testament Student Manual)
• "The Savior’s preaching to the spirits in prison is an example of God’s fairness and justice. This doctrine of salvation for the dead makes it possible for all mankind to accept the gospel even though they may never have heard it in mortality." (New Testament Student Manual)
• Though Christians of other denominations do not understand Christ's visit to the world of the dead, it was known among the early saints.  This article by Catherine Thomas outlines many early Christian and Jewish sources that reference the belief in the descent of Christ to the spirit world and His work there.  With D&C 138, we have this understanding restored again:  "11 As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great.
  
  12 And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality;
  
  13 And who had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of God, and had suffered tribulation in their Redeemer’s name.
  
  14 All these had departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a glorious resurrection, through the grace of God the Father and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
  
  15 I beheld that they were filled with joy and gladness, and were rejoicing together because the day of their deliverance was at hand.
  
  16 They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world, to declare their redemption from the bands of death.
  
  17 Their sleeping dust was to be restored unto its perfect frame, bone to his bone, and the sinews and the flesh upon them, the spirit and the body to be united never again to be divided, that they might receive a fulness of joy.
  
  18 While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives who had been faithful;
  
  19 And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of mankind from the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance.
  
  20 But unto the wicked he did not go, and among the ungodly and the unrepentant who had defiled themselves while in the flesh, his voice was not raised;
  
  21 Neither did the rebellious who rejected the testimonies and the warnings of the ancient prophets behold his presence, nor look upon his face.
  
  22 Where these were, darkness reigned, but among the righteous there was peace;
  
  23 And the saints rejoiced in their redemption, and bowed the knee and acknowledged the Son of God as their Redeemer and Deliverer from death and the chains of hell.
  
  24 Their countenances shone, and the radiance from the presence of the Lord rested upon them, and they sang praises unto his holy name.
  
  25 I marveled, for I understood that the Savior spent about three years in his ministry among the Jews and those of the house of Israel, endeavoring to teach them the everlasting gospel and call them unto repentance;
  
  26 And yet, notwithstanding his mighty works, and miracles, and proclamation of the truth, in great power and authority, there were but few who hearkened to his voice, and rejoiced in his presence, and received salvation at his hands.
  
  27 But his ministry among those who were dead was limited to the brief time intervening between the crucifixion and his resurrection;
  
  28 And I wondered at the words of Peter—wherein he said that the Son of God preached unto the spirits in prison, who sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah—and how it was possible for him to preach to those spirits and perform the necessary labor among them in so short a time.
  
  29 And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;
  
  30 But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.
  
  31 And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.
  
  32 Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.
  
  33 These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,
  
  34 And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
  
  35 And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross.
  
  36 Thus was it made known that our Redeemer spent his time during his sojourn in the world of spirits, instructing and preparing the faithful spirits of the prophets who had testified of him in the flesh;"

Stewards of God's Grace,  1 Peter 4:1-11

• It seems the prior friends and associates of the saints aren't very happy with their new way of life and how they are putting away, "lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries" (v. 3).  Peter says, "they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:" (v. 4)  I've seen similar grumblings among family members and friends of those who try hard to live the gospel and put away things from a former life.  It can be hard to be the one who is different and the one who is condemned for doing good.  Peter says to have "charity" and to offer "hospitality one to another without grudging." (v. 8-9)  The Roman world at large might be hostile to these new converts, but they should find safety and friendship with each other.  They should minister to one another
• Despite the false accusations from those around them, there is hope for even the wicked's eventual salvation, because "for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."  Death is not the end even for those who do not know God.  The saints have changed from their evil ways in life, but after death, there will be an opportunity for those who have not yet changed.

Suffering,  1 Peter 4:12-19

• Peter now returns to the theme of trials.  We shouldn't think it unusual to suffer (v. 12) but instead, we should rejoice because when we suffer, we are like Christ (v.13).  "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." (v. 14).  "Elder Robert D. Hales (1932–2017) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how our suffering can bring us closer to God: “Suffering is universal; how we react to suffering is individual. Suffering can take us one of two ways. It can be a strengthening and purifying experience combined with faith, or it can be a destructive force in our lives if we do not have the faith in the Lord’s atoning sacrifice. The purpose of suffering, however, is to build and strengthen us” (“Your Sorrow Shall Be Turned to Joy,” Ensign, Nov. 1983, 66)." (New Testament Student Manual)
• Peter doesn't want anyone to suffer because they are murderers, thieves, evildoers or troublemakers (a better translation for the "busybody" in v. 15).  But if they are suffering for Christ, they should not be ashamed, but glorify God.  

A Crown of Glory,  1 Peter 5:1-14

• The leaders of the Church are to "feed the flock of God." (v. 2) Remember, this is the same Peter who three times was told "feed my sheep" or "feed my lambs."  He has taken it to heart and wants every leader to know that same loving care.  Leaders aren't supposed to be lords, but examples (v. 3).  A crown of glory awaits from the Good Shepherd for those who care for the sheep.
• Peter's final advice to the persecuted Church includes to be subject to one another, clothed in humility (v. 5), vigilant (v. 8).  He reminds them that the devil is real and seeks to devour them but that Christ will make them "perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" (v. 9) if they remain steadfast.  How have you felt Christ's work of perfection in your life as you have worked to resist evil and stay faithful?  How has He strengthened or settled you?  
• In his closing greetings, Peter mentions "Marcus my son."  It is thought that this Marcus is John Mark, who was mentioned many times in the New Testament many times.  In Acts 12:12, it is the home of his mother that Peter flees to.  In 12:25, he joins Paul and Banabas as a mission companion, though in Acts 15, there is contention over whether to bring him along and Barnabas and Paul part ways, with Barnabas taking Mark as companion.  Here, it seems he is a companion to Peter.  It is thought that this same John Mark is the one who wrote the gospel of Mark and that the account he gives in it were things he learned from Peter.  

About 2 Peter

• "The Second Epistle of Peter states that it was written by “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1). Church members and leaders have traditionally accepted Peter as the author. Some modern scholars, however, have questioned whether the epistle was truly written by Peter because the style and language differ from 1 Peter, which was written with the scribal aid of Silvanus (Silas). It may be that 2 Peter was written with the help of a different scribe, or that the epistle was put into its current form by others but contains authentic material from Peter himself. . . The text of 2 Peter does not identify where the epistle was written, but it is commonly assumed that Peter wrote it in Rome. Peter mentioned Paul’s epistles (see 2 Peter 3:15–16), so it is likely that 2 Peter was written after many of Paul’s letters had been gathered together. This suggests that 2 Peter could not have been written earlier than A.D. 60. Scholars believe that it was written sometime between A.D. 64 and 68" (New Testament Student Manual)
• "The content of 2 Peter 1:12–15 shows that Peter meant this letter to be a farewell message to his readers. Unlike the First Epistle of Peter, which helped the Saints deal with external persecution, Peter’s Second Epistle addressed the internal apostasy that threatened the future of the Church. False prophets and teachers were spreading “damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them” (2 Peter 2:1). Peter wrote the letter to encourage the Saints to grow in their knowledge of the Lord and to make their “calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). " (New Testament Student Manual)
• The language of Jude and 2 Peter share a lot of similarities and scholars assume that one is quoting the other, though they differ in which one they believe came first.
• 2 Peter is thought to be Peter's farewell address.  John Welch and Brent Schmidt write, "In approaching 2 Peter as a farewell text, the work of William Kurz is most helpful.[4] This scholar has analyzed twenty-two farewell speeches in the Bible and in classical Greek and Roman literature, identifying twenty elements that appear in these addresses. Farewell speeches rarely include most, let alone all, of these elements, and some features are more clearly present than others. . .  Although Kurz did not analyze 2 Peter as one of his twenty-two farewell texts,[7] the list of elements that he has compiled can be applied very naturally to this biblical text,"  They then analyze each of the twenty elements and find nineteen of them in 2 Peter.  

Greetings and the Virtues of a Christian Life, 2 Peter 1:1-11

• Right away, Peter reminds us of the goodness of God and his marvelous gifts, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. "  (v. 3-4)  Elder Spencer J. Condie listed some of the promises we have from Heavenly Father, "The Lord’s countless exceeding great and precious promises include forgiveness of our sins when we ‘confess them and forsake them’ (D&C 58:43; see also D&C 1:32). Opening the windows of heaven is a promise claimed by those who pay a faithful tithe (see Malachi 3:10), and finding ‘great treasures of knowledge’ accrues to those who observe the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89:19).
  
  Becoming unspotted from the world is a promise to those who keep the Sabbath holy (see D&C 59:9; Exodus 31:13). Divine guidance and inspiration are promised to those who ‘feast upon the words of Christ’ (2 Nephi 32:3) and who ‘liken all scriptures’ unto themselves (1 Nephi 19:23).
  
  The Lord also promised that ‘whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you’ (3 Nephi 18:20). We are promised that the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion when we ‘let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly’ (see D&C 121:45–46). We can claim the spiritually liberating promise of fasting, which will ‘loose the bands of wickedness,’ undo our ‘heavy burdens,’ and ‘break every yoke’ (Isaiah 58:6).“Those who are sealed in holy temples and who faithfully keep their covenants will receive God’s glory, which ‘shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever’ (D&C 132:19)” 
• I love the lists of virtues now given, as well as the counsel to "add" one after another.  This list is a great one to examine and consider how you are doing in each.  In Elder Robert D. Hales last conference address, he spoke of these verses, "Many people hear the word disciple and think it means only “follower.” But genuine discipleship is a state of being. This suggests more than studying and applying a list of individual attributes. Disciples live so that the characteristics of Christ are woven into the fiber of their beings, as into a spiritual tapestry.
  
  Listen to the Apostle Peter’s invitation to become a disciple of the Savior:
  
  “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
  
  “And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
  
  “And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
  
  As you can see, weaving the spiritual tapestry of personal discipleship requires more than a single thread. In the Savior’s day, there were many who claimed to be righteous in one or another aspect of their lives. They practiced what I have called selective obedience. For example, they kept the commandment to refrain from work on the Sabbath yet criticized the Savior for healing on that holy day. They gave alms to the poor but offered only their excess—what they did not need for themselves. They fasted but only with long faces. They prayed but only to be seen of men. Jesus said, “They draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Such men and women may focus on mastering a specific attribute or action but do not necessarily become as He is in their hearts.
  
  Of these, Jesus declared:
  
  “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  
  “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”The attributes of the Savior, as we perceive them, are not a script to be followed or list to be checked off. They are interwoven characteristics, added one to another, which develop in us in interactive ways. In other words, we cannot obtain one Christlike characteristic without also obtaining and influencing others. As one characteristic becomes strong, so do many more."     
• This video quotes that Elder Hales and is a great illustration of the principles involved:

• What is it to have your calling and election made sure (v. 10)?  Joseph Smith said, "“After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter” (New Testament Student Manual)

Peter's Eyewitness Testimony, 2 Peter 1:12-21

• Peter knows that he has not long to live (v. 14), he wants to leave behind his personal witness and testimony (v. 15).  "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty."  He then describes the glory and honour that they saw come upon him on the Mount of Transfiguration and the voice from heaven they heard. (v. 17-18).

False Prophets and Teachers, 2 Peter 2:1-22

• "Peter pointed out that false prophets had plagued ancient Israel, and then he prophesied that false teachers would come into the fledgling Church (see 2 Peter 2:1). These false prophets and false teachers would bring “damnable heresies” among God’s people, and many followers of Christ would be deceived (2 Peter 2:1). Peter described false teachers as “wells without water” and as “clouds that are carried with a tempest” (2 Peter 2:17). Further, he said that these false teachers would meet the same destruction that came upon the wicked in ancient times (see 2 Peter 2:4–7)." (New Testament Student Manual)
• One sign of the false teachers is that they "speak evil of dignities." "Peter condemned false prophets and false teachers who speak evil of leaders in God’s Church. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) warned that the actions of Church members who criticize authorities of the Church stem from the spirit of apostasy: “They ‘speak evil of dignities’ and ‘of the things that they understand not,’ says Peter. (2 Pet. 2:10, 12.) They complain of the programs, belittle the constituted authorities, and generally set themselves up as judges. After a while they absent themselves from Church meetings for imagined offenses, and fail to pay their tithes and meet their other Church obligations. In a word, they have the spirit of apostasy, which is almost always the harvest of the seeds of criticism. … As Peter puts it, they ‘perish in their own corruption’ [2 Peter 2:12]” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 42–43)."
• Why does criticism of Church leaders lead to apostasy?  I think an analogy can be made to a marriage.  Where there is no abuse but instead two good spouses who are trying to work together, criticizing, condemning, and fault-finding can only hurt the marriage, not save it.  Constantly looking for the small mistakes of good people destroys our love and our loyalty.  I love this story from Lola B. Walters, "My husband and I had been married about two years—just long enough for me to realize that he was a normal man rather than a knight on a white charger—when I read a magazine article recommending that married couples schedule regular talks to discuss, truthfully and candidly, the habits or mannerisms they find annoying in each other. The theory was that if the partners knew of such annoyances, they could correct them before resentful feelings developed.
  
  It made sense to me. I talked with my husband about the idea. After some hesitation, he agreed to give it a try.
  
  As I recall, we were to name five things we found annoying, and I started off. After more than fifty years, I remember only my first complaint: grapefruit. I told him that I didn’t like the way he ate grapefruit. He peeled it and ate it like an orange! Nobody else I knew ate grapefruit like that. Could a girl be expected to spend a lifetime, and even eternity, watching her husband eat grapefruit like an orange? Although I have forgotten them, I’m sure the rest of my complaints were similar.
  
  After I finished, it was his turn to tell the things he disliked about me. Though it has been more than half a century, I still carry a mental image of my husband’s handsome young face as he gathered his brows together in a thoughtful, puzzled frown and then looked at me with his large blue-gray eyes and said, “Well, to tell the truth, I can’t think of anything I don’t like about you, Honey.”
  
  Gasp.
  
  I quickly turned my back, because I didn’t know how to explain the tears that had filled my eyes and were running down my face. I had found fault with him over such trivial things as the way he ate grapefruit, while he hadn’t even noticed any of my peculiar and no doubt annoying ways.I wish I could say that this experience completely cured me of fault finding. It didn’t. But it did make me aware early in my marriage that husbands and wives need to keep in perspective, and usually ignore, the small differences in their habits and personalities."
• Who was Balaam?  From the student manual, "Balaam was an Old Testament prophet, whose actions are recorded in Numbers 22–24; 31:16. He appeared at first to be true to the Lord and His people, repeatedly refusing Balak’s request to curse Israel. Nevertheless, Balaam eventually succumbed to Balak’s offer of riches and taught Balak how to cause the army of Israel to weaken themselves through sexual sin and idolatry (see Numbers 25:1–5; 31:13–16). The plan included having Moabite women seduce the men of Israel and persuade them to offer sacrifices to heathen gods, thus destroying them spiritually." 

The Coming of the Lord, 2 Peter 3:1-13

• In contrast to the false prophets and teachers who are like dogs turning to their vomit, Peter addresses the "pure minds" of the people, reminding them of the prophecies of prophets and of the commandments of the apostles of the Lord and Savior (v. 1-2).  The last days, then and now are full of scoffers who think that things will always continue the way they are.  Instead, God has worked mighty works throughout time.  The waters came in Noah's time, and the fires will come at the end of the world (v. 6-7).
• It seems that some are worried that because Christ has not yet come, he will not be coming at all.  Peter says that a day to God is like a thousand years to them.  This isn't necessarily to be meant literally, but instead to teach that God's timing is not ours and that while we are anxious and short-sighted, God sees a larger picture and will come in his time.  I love how Elder Kyle S. McKay put it, "Several years ago, our five-year-old son came to me and announced, “Dad, I’ve figured something out. I’ve figured out that soon for you is a very long time for me.”
  When the Lord or His servants say things like, “Not many days hence” or “The time is not far distant,” it can literally mean a lifetime or longer. His time, and frequently His timing, is different from ours. Patience is key. Without it, we can neither develop nor demonstrate faith in God unto life and salvation. But my message today is that, even while we are patiently waiting upon the Lord, there are certain blessings that come to us immediately. "  
• Peter returns to the message of promises that he started with, reminding them that "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."  He reminds them that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (v. 10) and that they should be "looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of the Lord" (v. 12)

Concluding Exhortation, 2 Peter 3:14-18

• Peter then commends Paul's letters, endorsing them as a second witness even as he says that there are some things in them that are hard to understand (v. 16).  Isn't it nice to know that it isn't just us moderns that have a hard time with Paul?  Here it seems that some are twisting Paul's words to mean something they don't mean, which might be why Peter warned against private interpretations of scripture in 2 Peter 1:20).  
• Peter's final warning is to hold onto what they know and not be led astray with the "error of the wicked," (v. 17) instead to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (v. 18).  How can we recognize errors that would pull us away from our knowledge of the Savior?
• This video helps illustrate how we can stand strong against temptation and spiritual whirlwinds and fits well with the themes in both 1 and 2 Peter:

Videos for the Week

Note: I'm indebted to Thomas Wayment for mamy of my section divisions and headings on this post and others. If you haven't checked out his New Testament translation, it is well worth it!