Defending the faith I

"...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, yet with gentleness and reverence" --- 1 Pet. 3:15 (caps & italics mine)

If you are open about your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ there will come a time when you will be put on the spot to orally defend your faith. "To make a defense" is translated from the Greek word apologia, which means "a verbal defense; a reasoned argument." As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, according to 1 Pet. 3:15, we are all apologists. This does not mean that we are to apologize (as we use the word in the English language) for our faith, but it means we are to give a defense of what we believe is the truth. This is where the theological term "apologetics" comes from. Webster defines "apologetics" as a "systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine)."

Apologia is used 8 times in the new testament (1 Pet. 3:15, Acts 22:1, Acts 25:16, 1 Cor. 9:3, 2 Cor. 7:11, Phil. 1:7, Phil. 1:17, 2 Tim. 4:16). Notice that Paul is the man using this word 7 of the 8 times. No one has had to make a defense for their faith more than Paul. Not only did he have to make a defense, but usually his life depended upon how effectively he presented the evidence. We could go into detail with each of these 8 verses, but today I want to pick out one in particular and give a real world example of apologetics. Monday we will study how to prepare for and deliver an effective defense.

"Brethren and fathers, hear my DEFENSE which I now offer to you." --- Acts 22:1

Paul has just completed his third missionary journey. Upon returning to Jerusalem he is spotted in the temple by some "Jews from Asia" (Acts 2:27). Keep in mind that Asia (modern day Turkey, northwest of Jerusalem) is approximately 400 miles from Jerusalem. These guys were 400 miles from their home and they spotted and immediately recognized Paul. Out of their contempt for Paul they began to cause trouble. "Then all the city was provoked, and the people rushed together, and they dragged him out of the temple. While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion" (Acts 21:30-31 paraphrased). To regain control of the crowd, the Roman commander takes some soldiers down into the chaos and "they stopped beating Paul" (Acts 21:32).

So Paul is now out of harm's way and in the safety of the Roman soldiers. The commander is trying to find out exactly what is happening, but because everyone in the mob is shouting different accusations, he is unable to get down to the bottom of the situation. Paul is then carried away by the soldiers and the angry mob is following right behind them. Finally they arrive at the entrance of the barracks.

At this time Paul has to make a decision. He can either allow himself to be taken into the barracks, or he can turn around and apologia (GIVE A DEFENSE). Put yourself in his shoes. What would you do? Would you scurry into the safe haven of the barracks or would you turn around and give a "systematic argumentative discourse" in defense of your faith in Jesus Christ? Remember the people he will be addressing would like nothing more than to see his blood spilled right there in that moment. For Paul there was only one option, and chapter 22 records how Paul systematically presented his case before the mob. (Your homework for Monday is to read ch. 22. It's Saturday, you don't have anything else to do.)

This is where the rubber meets the road. It's in these situations where the "poser" is separated from the "real deal". The "real deal" is not only willing to make a stand, but he/she is prepared. When the moment of truth comes, they have the courage to take the first step toward the mob and the knowledge to effectively present the facts. The "poser" will settle for the comfort of the barracks everytime.

We will probably never have to make a defense before someone who is trying to kill us. More than likely the worst thing we will ever face is rejection and verbal ridicule. Regardless of the potential outcome of our defense, we are commanded to make that defense. Monday we will study how to prepare for and execute our defense.