PETER- 212-16
I. Rank the people in the New Testament in importance.
Jesus - Then Peter
Joseph Smith said, “Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles,” (TPJS p. 301) BRM said he referred to both language and doctrine.
II. What do you know about Peter
A. First Presidency of Church with James and John
1. Received the keys of the kingdom on Mount of Transfiguration. (Matt. 17:1-3)
B. From Bethsaida but lived in Capernaum and had a home there
1. Home seemed to be the headquarters of Church in Galilee
2. Andrew, his brother his wife and at least for a while his mother-in law lived there. Archaeologists think they have found his home.
C. Peter’s names
1. Simon = Shim’on or anglicized as Simeon
2. Cephas = which is by interpretation, a seer, or a stone. (JST John 1:42)
This was not simply the offhanded bestowal of a convenient nickname as some have supposed. Rather, it was the application of a sacred and ancient principle, which is still administered in our own day. Whenever a new or higher level of commitment is made to the Lord and administered by the Lord or His servants, those disciples who agree to live on a higher plane or commit to a higher covenant, receive a new name, just as the scriptures of the Restoration teach. (See Mosiah 5:9-12); D&C 130:11.)
In this case, the new name, Aramaic Kepha’ (anglicized as Cephas) is the equivalent of the Greek Petros or Peter meaning stone. But Joseph Smith presents an expanded interpretation of The Savior’s intention by describing the meaning as “a seer or a stone,” thus implying that the new name is better understood as “seer stone.” Simon’s new name reflected something of his mature role as “seer stone” or revelatory anchor of God’s earthly kingdom. In other words, just as a seer stone is an instrument of revelation, the Savior was outlining the future role of the chief Apostle by saying, in effect, Peter would be the instrument through whom revelation for the Church would come. (See Acts 10)
D. Peter’s calling came in stages;
1. He was a follower of John the Baptist and was looking for the Messiah. (See Acts 1:21-22) 2. Peter leaves John and follows Jesus. (John 1:35-42) 3. Jesus calls Peter to leave his fishing and follow Jesus (Luke 5:2-11) First as a disciple. The Greek word for disciple,” mathetes, is the equivalent of the Hebrew talmud and means learner or pupil/student. The rabbis taught that continual and intimate association with one’s teacher was an integral part of the learning process. And so it was with the disciples of Jesus. However, unlike the disciples of the other great rabbis of intertestamental Judaism, who were encouraged to choose for themselves their own master or teacher, Peter and his associates were reminded that they had been chosen by the Master (John 15:16). 4. The call to the apostleship (Luke 6:12-16) 5. Notice that when the apostles are named, Peter is always first (Mark 1:36; 16:7; Luke 8:45; 9:45; 9:32. 6. Peter is often the spokesman for the group of apostles. a. Matthew 16:13-16 b. John 6:66-69 - After Bread of Life Sermon E. D&C 132:7 - One man on the earth at a time 1. Apostolic seniority- Even how they enter and leave a room. a. Elder Haight and President Romney - Afraid I’m going to steal something. b. John 20:2-6- John waited for Peter to enter the tomb F. Matt. 16:16-19 Anyone who has stood at the bedrock base of Mount Hermon can almost picture the Savior riveting His gaze upon Peter and saying to the chief Apostle, “You are Petros (small stone or rock) Then in the same breath, pointing to the bedrock face of the mountainside near where they stood, Jesus declared, “and upon this petra, (meaning bedrock) I will build my Church. .... The Church including leaders, members, ordinances, and activities, was built upon the foundation of revelation, more specifically the personal revelation that Jesus is the Messiah, the actual son of God, and the ultimate head of the church. G. Mount of Transfiguration H. Witness to Miracles- Walking on water I. The last Supper (Preparation, Peter asked for the identity of the betrayer, refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him and then that Peter will be faithful (read Luke 22:31-32) J. Peter’s denial - remember the sword - Not a prediction, a command (SWK) K. D&C 49:11-14
1 Peter- 64 AD from Rome- Read as a General Conference talk by the President of the Church. 1) How to respond to trials 2) Warnings of bad times ahead 3) Reminds people that they are a chosen generation, foreordained to be members of the Church in their time.
Chapter 1
Vs. 1& 2 - Elect because of Foreordination - See Abraham 3:22-24; TPJS p. 365 (Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council."
Vs. 5 - salvation and exaltation are often synonymous in the scriptures
Vs. 7 - Another reminder to rejoice in our trials - See 2 Cor. 4:17; D&C 58:4; 121:7-8
Vs. 9 The object of your faith is salvation=exaltation
Vs. 13-16 - Peter's 1st admonition - Be holy in all your conversation (conduct) as Jesus was holy.
Vs. 22 - Peter's 2nd admonition - See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently, without respect of persons as God. (vs. 17)
Vs. 24-25 - What matters for a long time.
Chapter 2
Vs. 9 - Followers of Christ have always been peculiar. How are we? (Ex. 19:5-6)
Vs. 11-12 - Peter's 3rd admonition, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul to be good examples to the gentiles.
Vs. 13-16 - Peter's 4th admonition, follow the law of the land
Vs. 18-25 - Peter's 5th admonition, be faithful to your master, even if they treat you badly. Remember that Christ did not deserve his treatment.
Chapter 3
Vs. 1-6 - Peter's 6th admonition, to wives. Be an example
Vs. 7 - Peter's 7th admonition to husbands. Give honor to wives.
Vs. 8 - Peter's 8th admonition. Be of one mind. The golden rule.
Vs. 15 - quoted by President Monson in Oct. 2011 Priesthood Conf. - "If we are prepared to share the gospel, we are ready to respond to the counsel of the Apostle Peter, who urged, "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you."
Vs. 18-20- The verses which prompted President Joseph F. Smith to receive his great revelation today D&C 138.
Chapter 4
Vs. 1,6 & 8 - Note the JST
Vs. 12-16 - Verses given to prepare the Saint's in Rome for the Persecutions by Nero, that pertain to us today. We live lives of gratitude for previous sufferers. Pioneers, Joseph of Egypt, Joseph Smith, Jesus
Chapter 5
Great Counsel - note vs. 2, 5, 7.
2 Peter - Written to a more select group than 1 Peter. It was written to members of the Church with testimonies, like unto Peter. It was written in Rome shortly before Peter was crucified.
Chapter 1 - See Godly Characteristics of the Master, President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign Nov. 1986; 3 Nephi 27:27 - then, "The apostle Peter spoke of the process by which a person can be made a partaker of the divine nature. This is important, for if we truly become partakers of the divine nature, we shall become like Him...The first characteristic, to which all the others are added, is faith. Faith is the foundation upon which a godlike character is build. It is a prerequisite for all other virtues. When I think of how we show faith. I cannot help but think of the example of my own father. ... Peter goes on to say that we must add to our faith virtue. Virtuous behavior implies that he has pure thoughts and clean action. He will not lust in his heart, for to do so is to deny the faith and to lose the Spirit (D&C 42:23)-and there is nothing more important in this work than the Spirit...Knowledge-While any study of truth is of value, the truths of salvation are the most important truths any person can learn...Temperance, This means restrained in our emotions and verbal expressions. Things done in moderation and not being given to overindulgence, self-control. The master of emotions...Patience, the ability to postpone gratification and to bridle ones passions. A patient man also waits on the Lord. We sometimes hear of people who seek a blessing, then grow impatient when it does not come swiftly. Part of the divine nature is to trust in the Lord enough to be still and know that I am God...[Godliness-You consider your accomplishment important only if they help establish His kingdom on earth. Russell M. Nelson Ensign, Nov. 1986. p. 47], brotherly kindness, Kindness is extended to all-the aged, the young, animals to those low of station as well of those of high...Charity-If we would truly seek to be more like our Savior, then learning to love as he loves should be our highest goal. Charity never seeks self-gratification, only the eternal growth and joy of others." (paraphrased) "to be a partaker of the divine nature is to know the power of God and to experience the Holy Ghost in one's life." (DOMckay- Conference Report, April 1963, p. 95)
Vs. 10- See DNTC 3:325-350; D&C 131:5; Marion G. Romney Conference Report, October 1965 p. 22; History of the Church 3 380, 388-389; TPJss p. 298 I was about to do a post on having one's calling and election made sure, but then the spirit prompted me that some of the experiences I have had are so special and sacred that sharing them online would be inappropriate.I am thankful for the guidance of the spirit in my daily endeavors. President Paternoster
Vs. 16-18 - Mount of Transfiguration
Vs. 19-21 All scripture comes by the power of the Holy Ghost, no matter what age of the earth is involved, and must and can be interpreted only by the same power." (DNTC 3:356)
Chapter 2- Vs. 13 "Sporting themselves with their own deceiving while they feast with you" that is proudly showing off their churchiness while inwardly being out of harmony. Murmuring may be described as half-suppressed complaint or grumbling. We count ourselves "in" because we're not openly critical, but behind the scenes we're disloyal. (Ogden, p. 287)
