Defense (Answer) apologia When we do something that offends or hurts someone, we apologize or make an apology, which is an admission of error. The source of these English words, however, has a very different meaning. The Greek apologia is comprised of apo (; e.g., see Feb. 17), from, and logos (; see Feb. 5, Mar. 16, July 10) speech. In Classical Greek, it was used as a legal term referring to an attorney presenting a defense for his client. That idea is carried over into the NT. Paul, for example, made a defense before the people of Jerusalem for his speaking against the Law in Acts 22:1. He also answered Festus in defense of his faith 25:8 (cf. v. 15), as well as Agrippa in 26:1. Every Christian is challenged to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Pet. 3:15). That doesnt mean arguing religion, but rather, telling someone why he or she is a Christian, to thoughtfully articulate the Gospel. One cannot mention this word, however, without also addressing the subject of apologetics, the branch of theology devoted to the defense of Christianity. There are two basic schools of thought. First, there is evidential apologetics, which teaches that by reasoned arguments and the presentation of evidence we can prove Gods existence and prove the Bible to be true. Second, there is presuppositional apologetics, which maintains that instead of proving God, we must presuppose Him; that is, we must start with God or we can know nothing, for it is only in Him and His Word that we find truth. While evidentialism accuses presuppositionalism of being guilty of circular reasoning and undermining the reasonableness of the Christian faith, the latter criticizes the former for starting with man and then trying to get to God, and thereby trying to argue people into heaven. This is certainly not the place to debate the issue, but whichever approach is correct, each of us must be ready to proclaim the facts concerning the Lord Jesus. One apologist writes, Some people say the best offense is a good defense, but I say unto you that the best defense is a good offense.... The best defense of Christianity is a clear, simple presentation of the claims of Christ and Who he is in the power of the Holy Spirit. Scriptures for Study: Read the following verses, noting the use of apologia in each: Philippians 1:7, 17; 2 Timothy 4:16. A Word for the Day: Key Words from the New Testament.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 01:10:05 +0000
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