Apologetics

Apologetics

Author:
March 01, 2024
Apologetics is simply defined as the defense of the Christian faith. Christianity, according to the Bible, is a presentation of basic tenets or facts that God has revealed so that sinful humanity could come to faith in “the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1, 16-17). This gospel was promised in the ancient Hebrew Scriptures as far back as 2,000 years before Jesus Christ was born (Romans 1:1-6; 1Pe 1:10–12; cf. Mt 5:17; Heb 1:1). Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham as well as to David (Genesis 12:1-4; 2Samuel 7:14). Many in the New Testament era came to faith, believing the accounts that the Scriptures gave of Christ’s fulfillment of many prophecies (Luke 24:25-27).

            25        And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
            26        “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?”
            27        Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

The word “apologetics” is derived from the Greek word apologia. In ancient Greek times, the word was used to refute charges in a court room. Much like courtrooms of today, charges are brought against a defendant, but the defendant through a lawyer has the right to “defend” or “refute” the charges.

The word apologia appears 17 times in noun or verb form in the NT and can be translated “defense” or “vindication” in every case. The idea of offering a reasoned defense of the faith is evident in Philippians 1:7, 16, and especially 1 Pt 3:15.[1]

“But 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.”
                                                                                                                        1Peter 3:15

Dr. Kenneth Boa distinguishes that there are four functions of apologetics. All four of these functions have “historically been important in apologetics, each has been championed by great Christian apologists throughout Church history” (Boa, p. xxv).

Function #1     Vindication or Proof

The gospel of John gives a purpose statement as to why it was written. This is found in John 20:30-31:
            30        Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
            31        but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Function #2     Defense of the Christian Faith

The Christian faith was severely attacked as were the early Christians by opponents to the gospel. There were many attacks against the gospel and the followers of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter exhorted the Christians who, in many instances, were undergoing severe persecution to

“Make a defense to everyone who asks you to give and account for the hope that is in you”.

1Peter 3:15

Function #3     Refutation of Opposing Beliefs

This function of apologetics is apparent in the book of Acts. Peter and Paul often debated with Jews and Gentiles who promoted viewpoints contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Refuting other belief systems does not alone prove Christianity is true. The truth of the Christian faith is rooted in the revelation of Holy Scripture (2Timothy 3:16-17).

Christians are to NEVER surrender the presupposition or belief of the Bible’s truthfulness!

                        “Truth is Christianity’s most enduring asset.”
                                                                                                Dr. Carl F. H. Henry

Function #4     Persuasion

An excellent example of persuasion is the summary of Paul’s evangelistic efforts in Corinth.

Note Acts 18:4, “and he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.” *This was a persistent apologetic/evangelism! Paul would have used OT prophecy that pointed to Jesus as the Christ to convince the Jews.

It appears that both Jews and Gentiles in Corinth heard Paul’s words over weeks of meetings. The result for the majority that heard what Paul preached, was that they viewed Paul’s words as “moronic” (moria, μωρ?α) and “scandalous” or “a stumbling block” (scandalon, σκανδαλον).

Yet, contrary to the opinions of the unbelieving world, Paul’s message was true.

In conclusion, all Christians are apologists whether they will acknowledge that fact or not. We are all called upon to share the gospel of God’s amazing grace to those that we encounter. There will be opposition because the unbelieving world is at enmity with God. In other words, they are enemies with God, even as we were!

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

                                                                                                            Romans 5:10

Jack Miller, an evangelistic pastor who has written several outstanding volumes on sharing your faith, once noted in sharing the gospel with stubborn unbelievers:

                        “Cheer up! You’re a worse sinner than you ever dared imagine,
                        And you’re more loved than you ever dared hoped.”

______________________________________
[1] Boa, K. D. (2007). What Is Apologetics? In T. Cabal, C. O. Brand, E. R. Clendenen, P. Copan, & J. P. Moreland (Eds.), The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (p. xxv). Holman Bible Publishers.
BACK