When we talk about apologetics in the Bible, it is difficult because we think of apologetics as being very much like philosophy. But when we widen the definition to defending the faith by showing evidence that our God is real, there are many more examples.
One of those examples is Moses. No Moses did not have a debate based on Greek logic with Pharaoh. But when you look at Exodus 7-11, you see a contest between Moses and Pharaoh about which was the true god. Others have demonstrated that the various plagues are connected with different gods in the Egyptian pantheon. The problem with looking at Moses is that in our apologetic conversations, we can’t (nor should we) call plagues down on the person we are talking to. So what principles can we draw from Moses the apologist?
1. We find earlier in the story that Moses did not feel qualified to do this. We will never feel qualified either. You can attend every conference, read every book and listen to every podcast, but never feel qualified to talk to a skeptic. At some point you just have to do it.
2. Moses was sent Aaron as a helper. Team ministry is always best. That does not mean it is always two people talking to a skeptic. But you can pray for each other, encourage one another, debrief one another and keep each other accountable.
3. Exodus 7-11 is more about what God does than what Moses does. God uses Moses’ words but it is from God that the power takes place. The same is true with apologetics. We try our best with what we know, speak according to our knowledge and trust that God’s power is at work.
4. Exodus 7-11 is a contest between two worldviews. Nothing much has changed. As apologists, we need to show the failure of other worldviews and the truth of the Christian worldview.
5. The Egyptian priests were able to duplicate the first few plagues but quickly failed. Non-Christian worldviews can explain some aspects of reality but soon fail. Only the Christian worldview can explain all of reality.
These are just a few of the principles from the experience of Moses.
