The art of explaining the faith in such a way as to make a reasoned defence against its detractors. Paul's Areopagus sermon is a classic example of biblical apologetics, which can be of value to all who are called upon to defend the faith today.
Paul's Areopagus sermon, a classic example of biblical apologetics
Paul speaks to his listeners on their own ground, starting on their own terms
Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you.
Paul presents the Christian position
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.
Paul supports his argument in a culturally appropriate way
Acts 17:28 Paul quotes from two secular writers, first from the Cretan poet Epimenides, and secondly from the Cilician poet Aratus.
‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’
Paul concludes his argument and calls for a response
Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”
Apologetics as a regular feature of Paul's ministry
Acts 18:4 See also Acts 9:26–30, Acts 18:19, Acts 19:8–10, Acts 28:17–31
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike.
Apologetics is part of the work of church leaders
He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.
All Christians share responsibility for the task of apologetics
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
Other examples of Christians engaging in apologetics
Acts 18:28 See also Acts 2:14–41, Acts 6:8–10
For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Apologetics alone is an inadequate way of presenting the gospel
1 Corinthians 1:17–25 See also 1 Corinthians 2:1–5
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.