Peter, the head of the early church, left two treasured epistles. His short letters are packed as he teaches baptism, inheritance, faith, love, and salvation through Christ.
“Peter’s Principles: An Approach to the First Epistle of Peter,” Terry B. Ball, Go Ye into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles
Peter’s first letter was written to warn, prepare, and bolster Christian converts for difficult times ahead. Peter taught that we must love and strengthen each other, remember that mortal suffering is only temporary, and follow the Savior’s example.
“Reading 2 Peter as a Farewell Text,” John W. Welch and Brent J. Schmidt, The Ministry of Peter, the Chief Apostle
Second Peter follows the form of other farewell texts. It includes a summons, an invoking of his life as an example, exhortations, blessings, revelation of future events, covenant renewal, and more. Seeing the epistle as a farewell text adds depth to the message that Peter gave to his beloved flock.
“Peter’s Letters: Progression for the Living and the Dead,” Richard Lloyd Anderson, Ensign 21 (Oct. 1991)
Peter teaches the Atonement, repentance and baptism, priesthood power, the threatening apostasy, and Christ’s second coming. These doctrines come from no less than the person given the keys to lead Christ’s church anciently.
“Temple Imagery in the Epistles of Peter,” Daniel B. McKinlay (Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute) from Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism
Many temple images appear in 1 and 2 Peter, for Peter’s apostolic vocation was thoroughly immersed in the temple ethos.
Chart 14-12: “1 Peter,” Charting the New Testament
Themes in 1 Peter, in which gives guidance to help us live a more holy and dedicated life of discipleship.
Chart 14-13: “2 Peter and 1 John,” Charting the New Testament
A brief overview of themes in 2 Peter.
“A Chosen Generation,” Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1992
Peter’s statement “Ye are a chosen generation” (1 Peter 2:9) is applicable today. In this article, Gordon B. Hinckley teaches us what this title implies and invites us to “think for a moment upon why you are here under the divine plan of your Father in Heaven and of your tremendous potential to do good during the life that He has given you.”
“Think It Not Strange Concerning the Fiery Trial,” Sherrie Mills Johnson, Go Ye Into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles
Suffering and trial are a basic part of mortal experience. Peter pleads with the people not to turn away from the gospel and Jesus Christ as they undergo temptations, trials, and persecution. Peter urges them to pray and be sober and be willing to participate in the sufferings of Christ.
“Peter, the Chief Apostle,” Andrew C. Skinner, Go Ye Into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles
Peter was the head of the church. His letters addressed Christian goals: Christians should remember that mortality is temporary, that they must endure in righteousness, and that God’s promises are real, and they can make their calling and election sure through faith and effort.
“The Case for Petrine Authorship of 1 Peter,” Frank F. Judd Jr., The Ministry of Peter, the Chief Apostle
Did Peter actually write 1 Peter? This article presents the case, looks at arguments to the contrary, and discuss scribal activity.
“’Honor the King’: Submission to Civil Authority,” Eric-Jon K. Marlowe, The Ministry of Peter, the Chief Apostle
In 1 Peter 2, Peter not only affirms submissiveness to civil authority, but also offers specific rationale for it.
“2nd Peter and the Doctrine of Becoming Like God (Theosis),” Andrew C. Skinner, 2014 Sperry Symposium, BYU, Video
When Peter teaches “exceeding great and precious promises,” he is teaching eternal truths of obedience, salvation, and divine rewards.
“Exceeding Great and Precious Promises,” David A. Bednar, October 2017 General Conference
Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness includes the doctrine, the ordinances, the covenants, and the exceeding great and precious promises whereby we can become partakers of the divine nature (citing 2 Peter 1).
