Suffering for Christ's Sake

"Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles." Thus said Joseph Smith, and a close look at these letters reveals a deep doctrinal message as well as a sophisticated rhetorical style. Peter addresses these epistles to the converts that Paul baptized in Asia Minor, who were facing a difficult situation. His main theme is the value of suffering for Christ's sake.

Early Christians quickly became objects of persecution for several reasons. Because Christians met in the evenings, called each other brother and sister, and greeted each other with a kiss, their neighbors mistrusted them and suspected them of secret conspiracies. Their refusal to honor the local deities made them easy scapegoats any time there was a natural or even man-made disaster. (Nero blamed them for the burning of Jerusalem, when in all probability he started the fire to clear space for a new palace.) Their odd beliefs, especially their representation of the sacrament as literal manifestations of the blood and body of Jesus, made them vulnerable to accusations that ranged from incest to cannibalism. In some instances, merely to acknowledge oneself as Christian meant certain death. Peter confronts this terrifying reality by recalling the suffering of Jesus in a stirring homily.

As Christians, what are we willing to suffer for righteousness' sake? The lesson here is, perhaps, to act is such a way that we do not bring persecution upon ourselves, but when the challenge comes, to be ready to respond with quiet courage. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Heaven is For Real

Peter refers, almost in passing, to a marvelous occurrence, the Savior's mission to the world of spirits during his three days in the tomb: "By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison…" (1 Peter 3:19) Through modern revelation (especially D & C 138) we know much more about this question that is perhaps the most interesting to every person living, namely, where do we go after we die? Many experiences have been recorded of interaction between those who have died and those who are about to do so, or "near-death" experiences. One that is quite moving was recorded by Wilford Woodruff. After his young wife Phoebe passed away, he was inspired to administer to her and rebuke the power of death. He wrote of the incident:

“Her spirit returned to her body, and from that hour she was made whole; and we all felt to praise the name of God, and to trust in Him and to keep His commandments.

“While this operation was going on with me (as my wife related afterwards) her spirit left her body, and she saw it lying upon the bed, and the sisters weeping. She looked at them and at me, and upon her babe, and, while gazing upon this scene, two personages came into the room … One of these messengers informed her that she could have her choice: she might go to rest in the spirit world, or, on one condition she could have the privilege of returning to her tabernacle and continuing her labors upon the earth. The condition was, if she felt that she could stand by her husband, and with him pass through all the cares, trials, tribulations and afflictions of life which he would be called to pass through for the gospel’s sake unto the end. When she looked at the situation of her husband and child she said: ‘Yes, I will do it!’

“At the moment that decision was made the power of faith rested upon me, and when I administered unto her, her spirit entered her tabernacle …” (Leaves From My Journal, 4th ed., The Deseret News, 1909, pp. 59–60.)

We chose to be here, we each have a mission to fulfill, and we are not alone in this world. We are surrounded by helpers who know us and love us, and assist the Savior in leading us home. Peter takes this as his premise, and he encourages us to face our trials with courage and grace. "Happy are ye," he says, "if ye suffer for righteousness' sake."