1 and 2 Peter: Courage in Times of Trouble : HarperChristian Resources : 9780718035174 : 0718035178 : 14 Jul 2016 : Believers in the early church scattered across the Roman Empire were facing the threat of increased persecution. Peter, the most outspoken of the disciples and leader among the apostles, wrote two practical and encouraging letters to strengthen the hearts of these followers of Christ. Through words of hope and wisdom, he taught them how to live victoriously in the midst of life-threatening trials. In the first letter, Peter reminds believers of the many blessings available to them because of their persecution. In the second letter, he warns them to discern and defeat the false teachers who were invading their churches and teaching them dangerous and deceptive doctrines. Peter's letters of encouragement and warning are just as important for believers today to hear and understand as they were during the first century. The MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examina