All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “Rejoice with Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory” CFMCorner Nov 18, 2023 24 min read CFM: November 20–26 1 and 2 Peter Videos and Podcasts Video/ Podcast ​Lesson Extension ​Additional Materials Scripture Central 1 & 2 Peter Study Guide Follow Him 1 & 2 Peter Part 1 , Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line 1 & 2 Peter Teaching with Power 1 & 2 Peter ​ Don't Miss This 1 & 2 Peter ​ ​CFM New Testament 1 & 2 Peter Peter & Paul's Paradoxical Passages on Women ​Unshaken 1 & 2 Peter ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) ​ ​The Interpreter Foundation 1 & 2 Peter ​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh ​Teaching Helps with John Hilton 1 & 2 Peter ( Not yet posted ) ​ ​Ponderfun 1 & 2 Peter ​Talking Scripture 1 & 2 Peter Show Notes ​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class , New Testament The Epistles of 1 & 2 Peter : Notes , Slides , Handout arnt28_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 4.62MB Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson The Epistle of Peter, a cornerstone of the New Testament, is traditionally attributed to Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Peter, originally named Simon, was a fisherman by trade before becoming a pivotal figure in early Christianity. The name Peter comes from the Greek petros which was a translation of the Syriac/Aramaic kefa . This is why Peter's name appears in the Septuagint and some of Paul's letters as Cephas . Both Petros and Cephas mean “stone or rock,” and this was a nickname the Savior gave to Peter (Matt 16:18 INT ). Renowned for his close association with Jesus, Peter's leadership, passion, and his role as a witness to the resurrection were integral to the spread of early Christianity. The epistle was likely written between AD 60 and 65, a period marked by significant challenges for early Christians. The Roman Empire, under Emperor Nero, was becoming increasingly hostile towards Christians, leading to intense persecution. This historical backdrop is crucial in understanding the epistle's themes of suffering, perseverance, and hope. Peter's Audience Peter's primary audience was Gentile Christians dispersed across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), who faced persecution and societal alienation. His message also resonated with Jewish Christians, who were confronting severe opposition in Jerusalem and surrounding areas. The relationship between Jews and Romans had been tense since the Roman conquest of Israel in 66 BC, escalating dramatically by 65 AD. Jewish zealot groups targeting Roman garrisons prompted severe Roman retaliation, leading to a full-scale war that culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD, resulting in over 1.1 million Jewish deaths. During this upheaval, Christians, often emerging from Jewish communities, faced challenges similar to the Jews. Armed with Jesus' teachings, particularly those from his Olivet Discourses, they were forewarned of impending crises, including Jerusalem's imminent destruction. Under leaders like Peter, many Christians avoided the direct fallout of the Jewish-Roman conflict, by heeding Jesus' warnings and following the Prophet and Apostles. However, this didn't completely shield them from suffering. Some were inadvertently caught in the crossfires, while others attracted unwanted Roman scrutiny. Additionally, internal disputes within the Christian community, especially between Jewish and Greek members, often required Roman intervention, this led to numerous court proceedings and even riots, furthering feelings of distrust and animosity. This increased scrutiny from Roman authorities, coupled with the distinct religious practices of Christians and Jews, markedly different from mainstream Roman culture, fueled suspicion and hostility towards them, leading to systematic Christian persecutions. Peter's Epistle was written in this context, just prior to the war crisis and his martyrdom. Peter anticipated these events and helped to prepare the Christian community for the escalating persecution that would soon follow. These letters served as both a theological treatise and a practical survival guide. Peter aimed to comfort and unite followers of Christ, emphasizing the importance of strong faith to navigate the challenging times ahead, much like President Nelson has been doing during his remarkable tenure. Peter's teachings prepared the Christian community spiritually and mentally for impending trials, fostering resilience and perseverance amidst tremendous adversity. The Letter (Literary Form and Significance) The Epistle of Peter, structurally similar to Hellenistic letters like those of Paul, follows a traditional format with a salutation, a substantial body of moral teachings and exhortations, and a concluding doxology. The epistle's refined Greek prose, given Peter's background as a Jewish fisherman, is remarkable and indicative of his intellectual and spiritual transformation as an apostle of Jesus Christ. This is further highlighted by his collaboration with the scribe Silvanus (1 Peter 5:12), a partnership that raises questions about the exact nature of Silvanus ' role in the development of the document. Silvanus, also known as Silas was a faithful Gentile companion to Paul during several of his missions. While it's uncertain whether Silus merely transcribed Peter's dictations or actively contributed to the composition, the sophisticated Greek language and deep understanding of Hebraic scriptures in the letters suggest a blend of both Jewish and Hellenistic influences. This collaboration between Peter and Silvanus symbolizes Peter's personal and spiritual growth, marking his transition from a Jewish-centric view of Christianity to a more inclusive perspective. This shift was pivotal in the early church's history, exemplifying the harmonious transformation possible within Christ's kingdom—a community capable of embracing and integrating individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds as one unified body. Peter's partnership with Silvanus, a Roman citizen known for his ties to both Jewish and Gentile communities, demonstrates a matured and developed perspective. This collaboration highlights a melding of viewpoints, showcasing a shift in Peter's approach, indicating his broader acceptance of Gentile believers into the Christian fold. This evolution in Peter's attitude, as evidenced in the collaborative nature of the epistles, is a significant development in early Christian leadership. It showcases the dynamic ability of its leaders to grow and adapt in their understanding and practice of their faith to become more refined and more Christlike. In summary, Peter's epistle, with its sophisticated blend of Greek and Hebraic elements, is a testament to his intellectual and spiritual journey. His evolution from a humble fisherman to a leader capable of composing such an impactful document reflects his deepened commitment to Jesus' teachings and his dedication to Christ's broader community. Peter's use of the Septuagint The Septuagint is an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, significant for its role in bridging the Jewish and early Christian worlds. It was widely used in the Hellenistic Jewish community and by early Christians, many of whom spoke Greek as their primary language. Peter's use of the Septuagint in his writings is notable because it demonstrates his effort to connect with a broader audience, including Hellenistic Jews and Gentiles familiar with the Greek version of the Scriptures. In his epistles, Peter skillfully integrates elements from the Septuagint, weaving references and themes from the Hebrew Scriptures to underscore the connection between Jewish and Christian beliefs. This technique not only highlights the continuity of the Christian faith with its Jewish roots but also places the experiences of the early Christian community within the broader narrative of Israel's history. By using the Septuagint, Peter makes his message more relatable and impactful to his original audience, who were familiar with these ancient texts. Moreover, Peter's use of parallels from the Septuagint has enduring relevance. They resonate with modern readers by drawing parallels between the early Christian challenges and those anticipated in the Last Days, making his counsel pertinent as the Second Coming approaches. This guidance offers wisdom for contemporary believers navigating modern life's complexities. Peter's epistle thus serves both immediate and timeless purposes. It addresses the needs of the early Christian community while providing teachings adaptable to believers throughout history, particularly in anticipation of the Second Coming. Exploring the epistle in the Septuagint's context adds layers of meaning to Peter's references, illustrating his theological insights and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus Christ's life and mission. Overall, the Epistle of Peter stands as a profound blend of guidance, theological reflection, and moral wisdom. It offers timeless lessons in faith, hope, and perseverance amid adversity and encourages believers today to learn from Peter's example by broadening horizons, overcoming prejudices, and embracing diverse perspectives, focusing on what unites us in Christ. Overview: 1 Peter 1 serves as an introduction to the epistle, setting the tone for the themes of hope, faith, and endurance amidst trials. It addresses Christians facing persecution and suffering, offering them encouragement and a reminder of their salvation and the eternal hope in Jesus Christ. Peter's references to the Septuagint not only reinforces Peter's points but also connects the Christian experience with the rich heritage of Jewish scripture, illustrating the continuity of God's plan through both