What is Apologetics?

The word apologetics comes from the greek word apologia, meaning “defence” or literally “speaking in defence”. The first time I heard it I literally thought it meant apologizing for being a Christian. It is not. It is actually about defending the Christian faith.

Throughout our lives as Christians we might stumble upon someone asking us why we believe what we believe, why we feel a certain way about gender identity, sexuality, morality, evolution or simply why we still believe in a magical sky wizard. This might be face to face, or online, and many of us might simply find some of these questions hard to answer. Should we be prepared to answer them? Is it biblical? Should we engage with someone who makes a mockery of Christianity within a meme on instagram, or someone who laughs at someone admitting they are a Christian? Let’s take a look.

1 Peter 3:15-16 CSB [15] but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. [16] Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.

Therefore, answering sceptics is a requirement by scripture. This is not only brought up here, but is mentioned 7 times in the New Testament. I want us to focus this particular scripture, and on 3 parts of this scripture with regards to defending your faith.

1st - Regard the Lord your God as holy. Never lose sight of this, through all your research and preparation. We are here to honour and worship God first.

2nd - Always be prepared to give an answer. This also means that we should not become lazy when new topics arise. How many churches have you heard of lately equipping their congregations with matters arising within gender identity, sexuality, the dangers of progressive christianity? These are matters that are active in our lives right now, and the only way we can be prepared, is if we spend time searching the scriptures for answers.

3rd - With gentleness and respect. This is regarding our methodology. How we present the truth. Imagine being the Christian who bashes others with the truth of the Gospel... I wouldn't want to be a Christian if all I see is them sumo wrestling others with their smirky remarks and Bible bashing. Imagine you having the answer to everlasting life, to live with our Creator, to know him, love him, and understand the love He has for us as well. You should be joyful, excited, happy and eager to share this, but with respect. Gentleness, because essentially you are challenging their entire worldview. Thats huge!

Looking more into the greek word apologia, we must take note that it had a specific legal connotation to it. It was a technical term in ancient greek law that described the process of rejoinder and rebuttal of charges that were brought against an individual. Within the context of the New Testament, what is usually depicted is a civic defence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as we see in Acts 22:1. Sometimes it is a defence that is carried out in a court of law as seen in Acts 25:16 and 2 Timothy 4:16.

This brings us to a conclusion that a Christian apologist is a man or woman defending the Christian faith with rational justification and argumentation. And once you discover that there are way more truths supporting the Christian faith outside of the Bible, you truly see God’s natural revelation being revealed to us!

Scriptures including the word “apologia” : Acts 22:1 Acts 25:16 1 Corinthians 9:3

Philippians 1:7

Philippians 1:16

2 Timothy 4:16 1 Peter 3:15-16