Apologetics

When we first hear the word apologetics, we cannot help but think of our typical use of the word apology, and that may lead some to think that Christian apologetics is the task of apologizing for the Christian faith as if to say we are sorry. In Christian apologetics, however, we do not say that we are sorry for what we believe. The word apologetics is from the Greek word apologia, which means “an answer” or “a defense.” Apologetics is not an apology; it’s an answer—a defense of what we believe.

In his first epistle, Peter writes, “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, NASB). In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, the word apologia was primarily used as a legal term in court. A defendant, along with his witnesses, would give an apologia—a defense—in answer to criminal charges. Followers of Christ in the first century were certainly familiar with the legal term apologia, and they were experienced in having to defend themselves, their doctrines, and their practices in a culture that was largely hostile to Christianity.

Just like Christians in the first century, we as Christians in the twenty-first century must be able to clearly articulate what we believe to those who ask us to give an account of the hope that is in us, and we must always do so with gentleness and respect. Furthermore, such an account should never be divorced from Christians’ loving other Christians. When the world sees our love for one another, it sees one of the greatest apologetics of our faith (John 13:35).

At the foundation of the hope in us is Christ—His gospel, His truth, and His Word. When the watching world sees our good works in the midst of our persecution, we must be always ready to give an answer. When the world sees our hope, peace, and joy in the midst of our trials and suffering, we must be always ready to give an answer. When the world sees our love for one another, we must be always ready to give an answer. When the world sees our steadfast trust in our sovereign God when everything is crumbling down all around us, we must be always ready to give an answer. For, ultimately, the gospel of Christ is the only answer that will save the souls of a watching world.

Article by Burk Parsons / Tabletalk Magazine

Dr. Burk Parsons is executive editor of Tabletalk magazine and senior pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla. He is co translator and co editor of A Little Book on the Christian Life by John Calvin. He is on X at @BurkParsons.

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2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Romans 15:4 - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Isaiah 55:11 - So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Romans 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Jeremiah 23:29 - Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Hebrews 4:12-14 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.   (Read More...)

Jeremiah 15:16 - Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Psalms 19:7-11 - The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.   (Read More...)

Hebrews 2:1 - Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

Isaiah 55:8-11 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.   (Read More...)

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Matthew 22:29 - Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Proverbs 4:20-23 - My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.