Scripture Helps

1 and 2 Peter

The Apostle Peter was the leading witness of Jesus Christ in the early Christian Church. His two epistles were written to converts during a time of great persecution and apostasy. He promised these Saints that if they endured persecution well, they would receive salvation and eternal glory. Peter reminded these Saints that they were a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” They were to be holy even as Jesus Christ is holy. Peter wrote about Jesus Christ’s ministry in the spirit world following His Crucifixion. He encouraged the Saints to develop Christlike attributes and thereby become partakers of the divine nature. He also warned of false prophets and false teachers.

Resources

• Background and Context

• Learn More

• Media

Note: The citation of a source not published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not imply that it or its author is endorsed by the Church or represents the official position of the Church.

Background and Context

To whom were Peter’s letters written and why?

Peter was the chief Apostle to whom Jesus Christ gave priesthood keys. Peter held a position similar to that of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Peter wrote his first epistle in Babylon, which was probably a symbolic reference to Rome. He addressed his first epistle to Church members “scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia”—the five Roman provinces located in modern-day Turkey. Peter wrote to strengthen and encourage the Saints in the “trial of [their] faith” and to prepare them for a future “fiery trial.”

Peter’s counsel was timely because Church members were entering a period of heightened persecution. In AD 64 a fire destroyed much of Rome. “Many contemporary Romans believed that Emperor Nero had purposefully caused the fire to facilitate one of his building projects. In order to draw unwanted attention away from himself, Nero accused and subsequently tortured Christians of the city, publicly blaming them for the act of destruction.” It is generally believed that Peter was martyred during this period of persecution. He likely wrote his second epistle shortly before his death.

A dominant theme in 2 Peter is the importance of gaining knowledge of Jesus Christ. Peter promised his readers that if they seek godly attributes and develop a divine nature, they will have their “calling and election sure.” Peter contrasted the true knowledge of Jesus Christ with the false teachings and heresies perpetrated by apostates.

1 Peter 1:17–19

What did Peter teach about Jesus Christ’s role in redeeming us?

The word redeem means “to deliver, to purchase, or to ransom, such as to free a person from bondage by payment.” We are all in need of redemption from physical and spiritual death. Peter taught that our spiritual redemption was paid for not with silver or gold but “with the precious blood of Christ.”

For more information about the meaning of redemption, see “Romans 3:24. What is redemption?”

1 Peter 1:20

What does it mean that the Savior “was foreordained before the foundation of the world”?

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Before the foundation of the earth, the plan of salvation was prepared. It included the glorious possibility of a divine inheritance in the kingdom of God.

“Central to that plan was the Atonement of Jesus Christ. In premortal councils, He was foreordained by His Father to atone for our sins and break the bands of physical and spiritual death. Jesus declared: ‘I … was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. … In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name’ [Ether 3:14].”

1 Peter 1:23–25

Why did Peter compare humans to grass?

The phrase “all flesh is as grass” comes from Isaiah 40:6–8, which compares human frailties to vegetation that withers in the wind. Unlike the withering grass, the word of God “liveth and abideth for ever”; it gives life and strength to all who embrace it and are born again.

1 Peter 2:4–8

What is the meaning of a living stone, chief cornerstone, and stone of stumbling?

Peter taught that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ produces a “lively hope” in believers. The Saints are to strive to be “holy in all manner of conversation.” This hope and holiness, Peter taught, are made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Filled with hope and holiness in Christ, Christians are like living stones that are being added to “a spiritual house.”

Peter also called Christ the chief cornerstone, emphasizing that the spiritual house is built upon the resurrected Jesus Christ. In contrast to Christ’s role as the chief cornerstone, Peter also called Jesus Christ “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence.” In other words, the Savior would be a barrier in the path of those who are disobedient.

1 Peter 2:9–10

What does it mean to be a “chosen generation” and “a peculiar people”?

Peter taught that when converts made covenants with God, they became “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” Elder Bruce R. McConkie defined a chosen generation as the house of Israel, both ancient and modern. This includes “faithful members of the Church who have taken upon themselves the name of Christ and been adopted into his family.”

Concerning the phrase “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.”

One scholar noted of the Hebrew word segullah: “Looking at the root of the Hebrew words helps us reach the real meaning behind what God is saying to His covenant people. They are a special treasure to Him because they are different from all His other treasures. … Covenant people are a special treasure to God because they are not like everyone else; in fact, they are more like Him. This concept is so important that God repeatedly tells Israel they must be holy.”

1 Peter 2:25

How is Jesus Christ “the Shepherd and Bishop of [our] souls”?

The word bishop used in the King James Version of the Bible comes from a Greek word that also means “overseer” or “guardian.” During His mortal ministry, the Savior declared, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” As the Good Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, Jesus Christ “will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.”

1 Peter 3:1–7

Why did Peter counsel wives to be “in subjection” to their husbands?

Peter encouraged Christian wives to be “in subjection” to their nonbelieving husbands who “obey not the word.” He explained that the righteous conduct of the wives could be an example to their husbands of believing in Jesus Christ. The words subjection and submissive are often used in the scriptures to mean selflessness, humility, and love within relationships. In the context of marriage, husbands and wives should be humble, submissive, and selfless in their interactions with one another.

Elder Ulisses Soares shared important counsel about the relationship between husbands and wives in our day: “Spouses … do not position themselves as president or vice president of their family. There is no superiority or inferiority in the marriage relationship, and neither walks ahead of or behind the other. They walk side by side, as equals, the divine offspring of God. They become one in thought, desire, and purpose with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, leading and guiding the family unit together.”

For more information on this topic, see “Ephesians 5:21–33. What is Paul’s message about submission in marriage?”

1 Peter 3:15

Why is it important to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks why we have hope in Jesus Christ?

In this verse, the word answer is translated from the Greek word apologia, which can also be translated as “defense.” This Greek word is the root of apologetics, a term used to describe the defense of religious beliefs. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught that the Saints have a responsibility to defend truth:

“Articulate advocacy is surely needed now to respond to some of the secular sophistry we see and hear in the world. …

“Austin Farrer warned, ‘Though argument does not create conviction, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned.’”

President Russell M. Nelson explained: “Let your response be warm and joyful. And let your response be relevant to that individual. Remember, he or she is also a child of God, that very God who dearly wants that person to qualify for eternal life and return to Him one day. You may be the very one to open the door to his or her salvation and understanding of the doctrine of Christ.”

1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6

What did Peter teach about the spirit world?

The Gospels do not provide an account of Jesus Christ’s experiences between the time of His Crucifixion and His Resurrection. It was Peter who provided the valuable insights that Jesus “went and preached unto the spirits in prison” and that “the gospel [was] preached also to them that are dead.” These brief references to the Savior preaching to the spirits in spirit prison were not fully explained in the Bible and left many theologians and scholars confused for centuries.

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has blessed us with additional understanding of the Savior’s ministry to those in the spirit world. The Lord revealed to President Joseph F. Smith that He did not personally minister to those in spirit prison; rather, He organized messengers to preach to those who were in spirit prison.

2 Peter 1:4

What are the “exceeding great and precious promises” spoken of by Peter?

God has made many “exceeding great and precious promises” to those who make and keep covenants with Him. Elder David A. Bednar taught about the most notable of these promises: “God promises His children that if they follow the precepts of His plan and the example of His Beloved Son, keep the commandments, and endure in faith to the end, then by virtue of the Savior’s Redemption, they ‘shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God’ [Doctrine and Covenants 14:7]. Eternal life is the ultimate exceeding great and precious promise.”

Peter explained that God’s “exceeding great and precious promises” allow the Saints to become “partakers of the divine nature.” This means that we can “become as God is, enjoying to the full every characteristic, perfection, and attribute which he possesses.”

2 Peter 1:10–11, 19

What does it mean to “make your calling and election sure”?

“Righteous followers of Christ can become numbered among the elect who gain the assurance of exaltation. This calling and election begins with repentance and baptism. It becomes complete when they ‘press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end’ [2 Nephi 31:19–20]. The scriptures call this process making our calling and election sure.”

Peter, knowing that he would not live much longer, wrote that he had received what he called “a more sure word of prophecy.” In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Prophet Joseph Smith defined this significant blessing: “The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood.”

Learn More

Divine Nature

• Rosemary M. Wixom, “Discovering the Divinity Within,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 6–8

A Peculiar People

• Russell M. Nelson, “Children of the Covenant,” Ensign, May 1995, 32–35

The Spirit World

• M. Russell Ballard, “The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 71–74

• Dale G. Renlund, “Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 46–49

• Topics and Questions, “Spirit World,” Gospel Library

Media

Images

Gentle Shepherd, by Yongsung Kim

Christ Preaching in the Spirit World, by Robert T. Barrett

Notes

1. 1 Peter 2:9.

2. See Matthew 16:18–19.

3. For examples of Peter leading the Church after the death of Jesus Christ, see Acts 1:15–22; Galatians 2:7–9.

4. See 1 Peter 5:13.

5. See Andrew C. Skinner, “Peter—the Chief Apostle,” in Go Ye into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles, eds. Ray L. Huntington and others (2002), 215.

6. 1 Peter 1:1.

7. 1 Peter 1:7.

8. 1 Peter 4:12.

9. Luke Drake, “Christianity in the Second Century,” in New Testament History, Culture, and Society: A Background to the Texts of the New Testament, ed. Lincoln H. Blumell (2019), 761.

10. See Bible Dictionary, “Peter.”

11. See Andrew C. Skinner, “Peter—the Chief Apostle,” in Go Ye into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles, eds. Ray L. Huntington and others (2002), 215–16.

12. 2 Peter 1:10.

13. Guide to the Scriptures, “Redeem, Redeemed, Redemption,” Gospel Library.

14. See 2 Nephi 9:4–10; Alma 34:7–9.

15. 1 Peter 1:19.

16. Russell M. Nelson, “How Firm Our Foundation,” Ensign, May 2002, 75.

17. See also Psalm 103:15–16.

18. 1 Peter 1:23.

19. See 1 Peter 1:3–4.

20. 1 Peter 1:15.

21. See 1 Peter 1:18–19.

22. 1 Peter 2:5.

23. See 1 Peter 2:6. See also Isaiah 28:16; Acts 4:10–12; Ephesians 2:20–21; Helaman 5:12.

24. 1 Peter 2:8.

25. See Isaiah 8:14–15.

26. 1 Peter 2:9.

27. Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary (1973), 3:294.

28. Russell M. Nelson, “Children of the Covenant,” Ensign, May 1995, 34.

29. Kerry Muhlestein, God Will Prevail (2021), 77.

30. See Tremper Longman III and Mark L. Strauss, The Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words (2023), 568.

31. John 10:11.

32. Ezekiel 34:16.

33. 1 Peter 3:1.

34. See 1 Peter 3:1.

35. See Hebrews 12:9; Mosiah 3:19; Alma 7:23. It is also important to remember that Peter’s counsel was shared in the context of the cultural environment that he lived in (see Mark D. Ellison, “Family, Marriage, and Celibacy in the New Testament,” in New Testament History, Culture, and Society: A Background to the Texts of the New Testament, ed. Lincoln H. Blumell [2019], 533–34).

36. See Ephesians 5:22–33.

37. Ulisses Soares, “In Partnership with the Lord,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 42.

38. See 1 Peter 3:15, footnote b.

39. Neal A. Maxwell, Notwithstanding My Weakness (1981), 90.

40. Russell M. Nelson, “Be Thou an Example of the Believers,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 48.

41. 1 Peter 3:19.

42. 1 Peter 4:6.

43. See Scott C. Esplin, “Wondering at His Words: Peter’s Influence on the Knowledge of Salvation for the Dead,” in The Ministry of Peter, the Chief Apostle, eds. Frank F. Judd Jr. and others (2014), 300–302.

44. See Doctrine and Covenants 138:29–30.

45. 2 Peter 1:4.

46. Elder David A. Bednar taught, “Understandably, all of the exceeding great and precious promises Heavenly Father offers to His children cannot be counted or described comprehensively” (“Exceeding Great and Precious Promises,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 91).

47. David A. Bednar, “Exceeding Great and Precious Promises,” 91.

48. 2 Peter 1:4.

49. Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary (1973), 3:352.

50. Guide to the Scriptures, “Calling and Election,” Gospel Library. To learn more about having one’s calling and election made sure, see Robert L. Millet, “Make Your Calling and Election Sure,” in Judd and others, The Ministry of Peter, the Chief Apostle, 267–82.

51. See 2 Peter 1:14.

52. 2 Peter 1:19.

53. Doctrine and Covenants 131:5.