"Apologetics," as defined in Webster's New
Collegiate Dictionary, is "a branch of theology devoted to the
defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity."
The word "apologetics"
comes from the Greek word "apologia," pronounced, "ap-ol-og-ee’-ah."
It means, "a verbal defense." It is used eight times in the
New Testament: Acts
22:1; 25:16;
1 Cor. 9:3; 2
Cor. 7:11; Phil.
1;7; 2 Tim.
4:16, and 1
Pet. 3:15. But it is the last verse that is most commonly associated
with Christian apologetics.
"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, yet with gentleness and reverence,"
(1 Pet. 3:15, NASB).
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