Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Peter writes his letters in a time of persecution. He focuses on how the Saints might respond to their suffering and persecution. Peter teaches how to come to know Christ in the crucible of our affliction. Peter also teaches that the gospel was preached to the world of spirits.
“The Gospels mention Peter more often than anyone except Christ. Peter’s name appears nearly 100 times in those books.
Simon Peter, or Cephas (Aramaic, "stone"), was the chief apostle and the equivalent of the prophet president of the Church of Jesus Christ, though he is never called that in the New Testament. Both the book of Acts and the epistles witness that Peter led the Church (see Acts 1:15 22; Galatians 2:7-9). He was active in Jerusalem, Antioch, and Corinth. The Prophet Joseph Smith said of his predecessor, "Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p. 301).
“The letter's main theme centers on how the Saints might respond to suffering and persecution in order to receive great blessings, and it gives warnings and preparations for ominous days ahead. Peter knew what he was talking about. He was a man who had grown perfect through his own trials, suffering, and experiences. Tradition has it that Peter and Paul were both executed in Rome at a time of intense persecution and paranoia in Rome owing to Nero (see Bible Dictionary, "Peter"; "Peter, Epistles of"; see also "Peter," in Ludlow, Encyclopedia of Mormonism) 3:1077 79). (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 276)
The Great Fire of Rome began on July 18, 64 AD. The fire started in the merchant shops around Rome's chariot stadium, Circus Maximus. The flames quickly spread through the dry, wooden structures of the Imperial City. The fire consumed all in its path for six days and seven nights. The fire was brought under control after six days, but before the damage could be assessed, the fire reignited and burned for another three days. The Roman emperor Nero used the disaster to further his political agenda.
Prominent Romans including Emperor Nero accused Church members of starting the fire, which led to intense persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire. Nero indiscriminately and mercilessly crucified some of these early saints. Peter likely wrote his first epistle sometime after this event to strengthen the faith of the Saints and to remind them of their eternal reward for enduring trials faithfully. (see https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/new-testament-seminary-teacher-manual-2023/1-peter-1-5)
"As I travel throughout the Church, I see members being tried in the crucible of affliction.” (Elder M. Russel Ballard, “Hyrum Smith: ‘Firm As the Pillars of Heaven,’” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 9).
Elder Neil L. Andersen: “How do you remain ‘steadfast and immovable’ [Alma 1:25] 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. (“Trial of Your Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 40).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His. … Thus, as already indicated, patience is a vital mortal virtue in relation to our faith, our free agency, our attitude toward life, our humility, and our suffering. … There is simply no other way for true growth to occur.” (“Patience” [Brigham Young University devotional, Nov. 27, 1979], 1, 4, speeches.byu.edu)
Elder Dale G. Renlund: “Some unfairness cannot be explained; inexplicable unfairness is infuriating. Unfairness comes from living with bodies that are imperfect, injured, or diseased. Mortal life is inherently unfair. Some people are born in affluence; others are not. Some have loving parents; others do not. Some live many years; others, few. And on and on and on. Some individuals make injurious mistakes even when they are trying to do good. Some choose not to alleviate unfairness when they could. Distressingly, some individuals use their God-given agency to hurt others when they never should.” (“Infuriating Unfairness,” Liahona, May 2021, 42)
President Russell M. Nelson: “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)
Sister Becky Craven: “We do not lower our standards to fit in or to make someone else feel comfortable. We are disciples of Jesus Christ, and as such we are about elevating others, lifting them to a higher, holier place where they too can reap greater blessings. …
“Can others easily see His image in our countenance and know who we represent by the way we carefully conduct our lives?
“As a covenant people, we are not meant to blend in with the rest of the world. We have been called “a peculiar people” ( 1 Peter 2:9)—what a compliment! As the influences of the world increasingly embrace the evil, we must strive with all diligence to stay firmly on the path that leads us safely to our Savior, widening the distance between our covenant living and worldly influences.” (“Careful versus Casual,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 10)
Preparation of a lifetime
Summary of Prominent Events
The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead By President M. Russell Ballard, General Conference, October 2018 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/the-vision-of-the-redemption-of-the-dead)
President Russell M Nelson: “I invite you to inspire members to keep their covenants, fast and pray, study the scriptures, worship in the temple, and serve with faith as men and women of God. We can help all to see with the eye of faith that obedience and righteousness will draw them closer to Jesus Christ, allow them to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and experience joy in life!” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/ministering-with-the-power-and-authority-of-god.p10)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “The elect of God comprise a very select group, an inner circle of faithful members of the Church… They are the portion of church members who are striving with all their hearts to keep the fulness of the gospel law in this life so that they can become inheritors of the fulness of Gospel rewards in the life to come.” (DNTC Vol 3 p 330)
“To have one's calling and election made sure is to be sealed up unto eternal life; it is to have the unconditional guarantee of exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world; it is to receive the assurance of godhood; it is, in effect, to have the day of judgment advanced,…
…so that an inheritance of all the glory and honor of the Father's kingdom is assured prior to the day when the faithful actually enter into the divine presence to sit with Christ in his throne, even as he is "set down" with his "Father in his throne." (DNTC Vol 3 p 330-331)
Joseph Smith: "This principle"—that of having one's calling and election made sure and of being sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise—"ought to be taught," for God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what he will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them, for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, …
…know ye the Lord; for all shall know him (who remain) from the least to the greatest. How is this to be done? It is to be done by this sealing power, and the other Comforter spoken of, which will be manifest by revelation." (TPJS, p. 149.)
There are three grand secrets lying in this chapter," the Prophet said, "which no man can dig out, unless by the light of revelation, and which unlock the whole chapter, as the things that are written are only hints of things which existed in the prophet's mind, which are not written concerning eternal glory.
These are the three secrets:
Joseph Smith: “I am going on in my progress for eternal life… Oh! I beseech you to go forward, go forward and make your calling and your election sure!” (TPJS p 366)
Other Highlights in Peter
Teaching Thoughts:
“The Gospels mention Peter more often than anyone except Christ. Peter’s name appears nearly 100 times in those books.
Simon Peter, or Cephas (Aramaic, "stone"), was the chief apostle and the equivalent of the prophet president of the Church of Jesus Christ, though he is never called that in the New Testament. Both the book of Acts and the epistles witness that Peter led the Church (see Acts 1:15 22; Galatians 2:7-9). He was active in Jerusalem, Antioch, and Corinth. The Prophet Joseph Smith said of his predecessor, "Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p. 301).
“The letter's main theme centers on how the Saints might respond to suffering and persecution in order to receive great blessings, and it gives warnings and preparations for ominous days ahead. Peter knew what he was talking about. He was a man who had grown perfect through his own trials, suffering, and experiences. Tradition has it that Peter and Paul were both executed in Rome at a time of intense persecution and paranoia in Rome owing to Nero (see Bible Dictionary, "Peter"; "Peter, Epistles of"; see also "Peter," in Ludlow, Encyclopedia of Mormonism) 3:1077 79). (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 276)
The Great Fire of Rome began on July 18, 64 AD. The fire started in the merchant shops around Rome's chariot stadium, Circus Maximus. The flames quickly spread through the dry, wooden structures of the Imperial City. The fire consumed all in its path for six days and seven nights. The fire was brought under control after six days, but before the damage could be assessed, the fire reignited and burned for another three days. The Roman emperor Nero used the disaster to further his political agenda.
Prominent Romans including Emperor Nero accused Church members of starting the fire, which led to intense persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire. Nero indiscriminately and mercilessly crucified some of these early saints. Peter likely wrote his first epistle sometime after this event to strengthen the faith of the Saints and to remind them of their eternal reward for enduring trials faithfully. (see https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/new-testament-seminary-teacher-manual-2023/1-peter-1-5)
"As I travel throughout the Church, I see members being tried in the crucible of affliction.” (Elder M. Russel Ballard, “Hyrum Smith: ‘Firm As the Pillars of Heaven,’” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 9).
Elder Neil L. Andersen: “How do you remain ‘steadfast and immovable’ [Alma 1:25] 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. (“Trial of Your Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 40).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His. … Thus, as already indicated, patience is a vital mortal virtue in relation to our faith, our free agency, our attitude toward life, our humility, and our suffering. … There is simply no other way for true growth to occur.” (“Patience” [Brigham Young University devotional, Nov. 27, 1979], 1, 4, speeches.byu.edu)
Elder Dale G. Renlund: “Some unfairness cannot be explained; inexplicable unfairness is infuriating. Unfairness comes from living with bodies that are imperfect, injured, or diseased. Mortal life is inherently unfair. Some people are born in affluence; others are not. Some have loving parents; others do not. Some live many years; others, few. And on and on and on. Some individuals make injurious mistakes even when they are trying to do good. Some choose not to alleviate unfairness when they could. Distressingly, some individuals use their God-given agency to hurt others when they never should.” (“Infuriating Unfairness,” Liahona, May 2021, 42)
President Russell M. Nelson: “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)
Sister Becky Craven: “We do not lower our standards to fit in or to make someone else feel comfortable. We are disciples of Jesus Christ, and as such we are about elevating others, lifting them to a higher, holier place where they too can reap greater blessings. …
“Can others easily see His image in our countenance and know who we represent by the way we carefully conduct our lives?
“As a covenant people, we are not meant to blend in with the rest of the world. We have been called “a peculiar people” ( 1 Peter 2:9)—what a compliment! As the influences of the world increasingly embrace the evil, we must strive with all diligence to stay firmly on the path that leads us safely to our Savior, widening the distance between our covenant living and worldly influences.” (“Careful versus Casual,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 10)
Preparation of a lifetime
- 13 Nov 1838 - birth of Jospeh F. Smith.
- 27 June 1844 - death of his father.
- 21 Sept 1852 - death of his mother.
- 6 June 1870 - Mercy Josephine (his 1st child) died.
- 17 March 1898 - Ruth (another daughter dies).
- 4 March 1916 - Zina (another daughter died).
- 14 Aug 1916 - writes in journal that it would have been Mercy Josephine's 49 birthday.
- 23 Jan 1918 - His son, Hyrum M., a member of the quorum of the twelve died of appendicitis.
- Feb 1918 - gave talk about status of children in the resurrection.
- 3 Oct 1918 - Preparation for revelation – Doc & Cov 138:1-11.
Summary of Prominent Events
- Death of Joseph F. Smith's son just passed away in January 1918.
- WWI had been going on for four years.
- The United State of America entered the war April 6, 1917.
- There is a flu epidemic so severe that they are not doing public funerals. It spread to every state and then around the world. 20-100 million people died. In the U.S. not as bad as other places with an estimated one in ten infected. In Samoa, 80% passed away because no one to take care of them. March 11, 1918, the first reported case (patient zero) came in with a cough.
- The whole nation was under quarantine.
- Joseph F. Smith died a month after the revelation.
The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead By President M. Russell Ballard, General Conference, October 2018 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/the-vision-of-the-redemption-of-the-dead)
President Russell M Nelson: “I invite you to inspire members to keep their covenants, fast and pray, study the scriptures, worship in the temple, and serve with faith as men and women of God. We can help all to see with the eye of faith that obedience and righteousness will draw them closer to Jesus Christ, allow them to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and experience joy in life!” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/ministering-with-the-power-and-authority-of-god.p10)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “The elect of God comprise a very select group, an inner circle of faithful members of the Church… They are the portion of church members who are striving with all their hearts to keep the fulness of the gospel law in this life so that they can become inheritors of the fulness of Gospel rewards in the life to come.” (DNTC Vol 3 p 330)
“To have one's calling and election made sure is to be sealed up unto eternal life; it is to have the unconditional guarantee of exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world; it is to receive the assurance of godhood; it is, in effect, to have the day of judgment advanced,…
…so that an inheritance of all the glory and honor of the Father's kingdom is assured prior to the day when the faithful actually enter into the divine presence to sit with Christ in his throne, even as he is "set down" with his "Father in his throne." (DNTC Vol 3 p 330-331)
Joseph Smith: "This principle"—that of having one's calling and election made sure and of being sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise—"ought to be taught," for God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what he will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them, for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, …
…know ye the Lord; for all shall know him (who remain) from the least to the greatest. How is this to be done? It is to be done by this sealing power, and the other Comforter spoken of, which will be manifest by revelation." (TPJS, p. 149.)
There are three grand secrets lying in this chapter," the Prophet said, "which no man can dig out, unless by the light of revelation, and which unlock the whole chapter, as the things that are written are only hints of things which existed in the prophet's mind, which are not written concerning eternal glory.
These are the three secrets:
- "1st key: Knowledge is the power of salvation.
- 2nd key: Make your calling and election sure:
- 3rd key: It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice, etc., and another to hear the voice declare to you: You have a part and lot in that kingdom.” (TPJS p 149)
Joseph Smith: “I am going on in my progress for eternal life… Oh! I beseech you to go forward, go forward and make your calling and your election sure!” (TPJS p 366)
Other Highlights in Peter
- “God raised him [Christ] from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:20).
- “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5).
- Have “compassion one of another, love… be tenderhearted, be courteous (1 Peter 3:8).
- “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous (1 Peter 3:12).
- “Charity preventeth a multitude of sins.” (JST 1 Peter 4:8).
- Holy women and men read scripture and are ‘moved on by the Holy Spirit” (see 2 Peter 1:1-4; 1:20-21).
- The wicked “speak evil of things that they understand not (2 Peter 2:12) and are like “wells without water” (2 Peter 2:17). They promise “liberty” but have been “brought into bondage” (2 Peter 1:20).
- “In the last days,” some will ask, “Where is the promise” of 2nd coming (2 Peter 3:3-4).
- “What manner of persons ought you to be…? (2 Peter 3:11).
- “Arm yourselves likewise with the same mind” [of Christ] (1 Peter 4:1).
Teaching Thoughts:
- What helps you during a great trial (write on board).
- What could you add to the list on the board from Peter?
- How can we be a shepherd and help someone today in their crucible of affliction?
- Strengthening our faith in Christ in preparation.