Where Does “Apologia” Show Up In The New Testament?

“Apologia”

In the last article we took a moment to describe what Apologetics is, and why it’s a must when discipling others. In that same article, you see a list of passages that contain the word “Apologia.” In this article, I want to show you the passages where the word is seen, and at the end, we will reflect on some of the implications. You may go through each passage and leave a comment on what we can learn from these passages about making a defense for our faith.

Acts 22:1-5

‘“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.”

When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.

Then Paul said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.’

Acts 25:13-16

‘A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.

“I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.’

1 Cor 9:1-6

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?

2 Cor 7:10-12

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.

Phil 1:7

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Phil 1:16-18

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

2 Tim 4:14-17

‘Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.’

1 Pet 3:14-17

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

The Passages Vary… As You Can See

We see exhortations to make a defense for the hope that we have in Christ. There are Historical Narratives of Paul defending himself before a Jewish mob as well as receiving a defense from Festus to King Agrippa of Jerusalem.

We also see statements about the motives of why some preach Christ.

At the end of the day, I think we can learn a couple of things that I brought up in the last article that I typed:

Apologetics is a Must

At some point or another, we will need to defend our faith to someone. We will be asked questions will receive challenges to our faith from someone in our lives. We may even need to defend authority to teach and/or to make truth claims. Are you ready to answer questions about your faith?

We All Make Defenses Anyway

Whether it be how we live and represent the Kingdom, for better or for worse or by physically speaking, we are making a defense for the faith we have. The same way that we make defenses for our movie preferences, or our favorite ice cream is the same way that we make a case for our faith. The stakes, however, are much higher. Apologetics is more natural than you think.

The Character of the Defender Must be Addressed

We are to be gentle and respectful when we address the questions of others. Our answers will always require a posture of humility as we seek to wrestle with tough questions of people who are earnestly seeking the truth. There is an old adage: They won’t care about what you know until they know you care. I don’t necessarily agree with the statement. However, we SHOULD put forth our most caring foot forward when interacting everyone we meet. We should always lead with love, respect, and care as we engage with others.