1 Peter 1–2

Jesus Christ, the Foreordained Redeemer

Before His Crucifixion, the Savior said to Peter, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). As you read 1 Peter 1–2, look for Peter’s testimony of Jesus Christ and note how he encouraged and strengthened the Saints, fulfilling the Lord’s commandment. Also ask yourself “How can these teachings strengthen me as I prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?”

Understanding the Scriptures

1 Peter 1

Elect (v. 2)Chosen by God because of faith and obedience

Sanctification (v. 2)Process of becoming clean and pure through the Atonement

Grace (vv. 2, 10, 13)Divine help or strength given through God’s mercy and love

Inheritance incorruptible and undefiled (v. 4)Eternal salvation

Manifold (v. 6)Various

Gird up the loins of (v. 13)Prepare

Foreordained (v. 20)Prepared in the premortal life for a calling during mortality

Unfeigned (v. 22)Sincere

1 Peter 2

Malice (v. 1)Desire to hurt

Guile (v. 1)Deception

Cloke of maliciousness (v. 16)Covering for evil intent

Buffeted (v. 20)Battered, mangled

Reviled (v. 23)Scolded, abused, offended

1 Peter 2:2—“Desire the Sincere Milk of the Word”

Babies can easily digest milk, and it helps them to grow properly. Likewise, basic gospel principles can help those young in the faith to grow in the gospel. Peter’s analogy is similar to Paul’s in 1 Corinthians 3:2.

1 Peter 2:4–8—What Do All of the “Stones” Refer To?

Peter compared the Church of Jesus Christ to a “spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). Jesus Christ, as “a living stone” (v. 4), was made the “chief corner stone” (v. 6) of this spiritual house. He is also “the stone which the builders disallowed” (v. 7), which refers to the rejection of Jesus Christ by the Jews. Despite that rejection, Peter testified that Jesus Christ had become “the head of the corner” (v. 7). He is the “rock” upon which we must build (see Helaman 5:12).

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study 1 Peter 1–2.

1. Write a Job Description

   In 1 Peter 1:1–16, Peter encouraged the members of the Church to realize who they are and fulfill the responsibilities they accepted in the premortal life. Read verses 2–5, 6–9, and 13–16, and then write a job description that gives God’s expectations for the Saints in this life. A job description explains in simple terms what a person is to do in order to complete an assignment.

2. Write a Dictionary of Scriptural Words

   1. Read 1 Peter 2:9–10 and write an entry for a Bible Dictionary definition for each of the following phrases: chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation, peculiar people. Try to make your definitions like those in a real dictionary.

   2. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “The saints are peculiar. This is true of them both regarding their habits and their religious belief. If they are true to their faith, they cannot help being different from other peoples. Their religion requires it of them” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:234). Write about a situation that shows how this statement is true.

3. Make a List

   Peter asked the Saints in his day to believe in Jesus Christ and “follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Read 1 Peter 2:11–13, 21–25 and list the steps required to follow the Savior. Think about which ones would be most needed in your life.