GraceLife Thoughts – The Goal of Christian Apologetics

Grace Thoughts

GraceLife Thoughts – The Goal of Christian Apologetics

An apologia in ancient Greece was a well-reasoned defense using evidence. That is the meaning of the word as used by writers of the New Testament. Luke records the Apostle Paul using the word as he defended himself against the accusations of Jews in Acts 22 – “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” (Acts 22:1)

Festus, the procurator of Judea, pointed out to King Agrippa Paul’s right to defend himself (apologia).

“There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.” Acts 25:14-16

This is important for many reasons, one being the explanation by a legal representative of the Roman government about the rights of citizens to meet their accusers face to face and present a defense (apologia) concerning the charges against them. What followed was a demonstration of Paul’s apologia (Acts 26). The apostle presented his evidence with such reason and clarity that King Agrippa said to Festus – “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:32)

Christians need to focus our attention on the need for a strong defense of the Christian faith in light of attacks on our faith. I emphasize “our faith” because that is the battleground. Attacks on Jesus Christ have no effect on Him because He won the supreme battle on the Cross and is high and lifted up above all His enemies (Ephesians 1:20-23). The danger is to us and the people near us.

The issues before us are not about winning arguments with people. Jesus made it clear that His purpose for coming to earth was “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Before leaving earth to return to Heaven, Jesus told His disciples that it was necessary for Him to suffer and to rise from the dead, “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations” (Luke 24:47). The salvation of souls is the ultimate goal of apologetics and should be the goal of every Christian.