An Apologetic for Biblical Apologetics

Is Christianity true and rational? Is it worth believing? Isn’t faith something you have when there is no evidence? The discipline of Christian apologetics resides within questions such as these. Its nature is both theoretical and personal, intellectual and relational, because in answering questions with rational arguments, the answers given can never be separated from the character of the apologist.[i] Biblical apologetics involves presenting compelling arguments and evidence to address doubts, objections, and criticisms regarding the authenticity, reliability, and truthfulness of the Scriptures and the Christian worldview. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and basis of biblical apologetics, explore its goal, and show how Jesus is the exemplary model of apologetic engagement.

Meaning and Biblical Basis

The word apologetics derives its meaning from the Greek word "apologia," which can be translated as “defense” or “reasoned response”. Douglas Groothuis, in his book Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith explains that “in essence, Christian apologetics is the rational defense of the Christian worldview as objectively true, rationally compelling, and existentially or subjectively engaging.”[ii] In the first century the word apologia was used as a “formal courtroom defense of something”. This word appears eight different times in Scripture and is used specifically for a rational defense of the gospel (Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Cor 9:3; 2 Cor 7:11; Phil 1:7, 16; 2Tim 4:16; 1 Pet 3:15). The apostle Peter encourages all believers to "always be prepared to give an answer [apologia] to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Pet 3:15). Here, Peter is emphasizing the importance of engaging with others in a rational and informed manner, providing answers that can withstand scrutiny and foster genuine dialogue.

The biblical basis for apologetics is woven throughout the Scriptures. In fact, in the New Testament there is not a single person who does not give a defense for his faith.[iii] The apostle Paul, for instance, engaged in reasoned arguments when presenting the gospel, although his methodology changed depending on whether his audience was Jews or Gentiles (Acts 17:2-3, 18:4, 18:19). He used rational persuasion and intellectual discourse to present the case for Christ and defend the gospel message. Additionally, in the book of Jude, believers are urged to "contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people (Jude 1:3).” Examples such as these imply the active defense of the Christian faith, including addressing objections and promoting a rational understanding of biblical truths.

The Goal of Biblical Apologetics

The primary goal of biblical apologetics is to provide a reasoned and persuasive defense of the Christian faith, thereby removing intellectual obstacles that hinder belief and fostering a deeper understanding of biblical truths. Biblically understood, conversion is a radical turn away from sin, selfishness, and Satan, and a turning toward God recognizing that Christ is the only means of salvation.[iv] However, there is no foundational basis to follow Jesus and surrender your life to him unless Christianity is true and worth obeying. One cannot truly be a Christian without knowing what it means, and what it entails. Therefore, biblical apologetics seeks to demonstrate how conversion is necessarily intellectual and involves an understanding of propositions to be objectively true.

Cultural relativism has presented a new challenge to apologetics by pushing back against objective truth. Because of this, we must offer a methodology that presents Christianity as not only plausible (that its true), but also desirable (that its good). Apologetics bridges the gap between faith and reason by demonstrating the coherence, reliability, and relevance of Scripture and the Christian worldview in addressing life's fundamental questions and challenges. It also equips questioning or doubting Christians to find the intellectual confidence to be a wise witness to the truth of the gospel.[v] It aims to lead individuals to a place where they can make informed decisions about their faith and engage in meaningful dialogue with others, while also nurturing the faith of believers and equipping them to navigate intellectual challenges.

Jesus as the Exemplar

In an age of Christian anti-intellectualism, it may come as a surprise that one of the ultimate exemplars of biblical apologetics is Jesus. His ministry was marked by engaging with skeptics, challenging religious authorities, and using the Hebrew Scriptures to provide compelling evidence for His claims. Jesus consistently appealed to reason, using logical arguments, parables, and miracles to demonstrate the truth of His teachings. Echoing the Hebrew Scriptures, Jesus affirmed that we should love God with all our being, including our minds (Mt 22:37-39). Jesus was both an apologist and a philosopher, although these characterizations are almost never applied to him today.[vi]

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus employs various evidential apologetic approaches. He appealed to fulfilled prophecies to validate His identity as the long-awaited Messiah (Luke 24:27). He used miracles as signs of His divine authority and power, attesting to His role as the Son of God (John 10:37-38). Moreover, He engaged in intellectual debates, dismantling erroneous interpretations of Scripture and silencing His critics (Mt 22:23-33). Notice in all these instances Jesus used evidence to appeal to the reasonableness of belief, it was never intended to be blind faith.

However, neither Jesus nor the disciples ever trusted in their arguments to win people over. As William Lane Craig puts it, "they trusted the Holy Spirit to use their arguments to draw unbelievers to God."[vii] Jesus' approach to apologetics was characterized by grace, compassion, and humility. He met people where they were, addressing their doubts and concerns with empathy and respect. His interactions were not mere intellectual exercises, but heartfelt encounters aimed at leading individuals to the truth, which naturally leads to a transformative relationship with God.

In Summation: Defend the Truth

What is the chief end of man? To know God and glorify Him forever. As Christians, knowing God entails being on a relentless pursuit of truth, namely the Truth. We must earnestly endeavor to make the truth of the biblical worldview known to all we encounter with the best arguments available. Biblical apologetics finds its foundation in the Scriptures, urging believers to provide reasoned and persuasive responses to those who question the Christian faith. Our goal as believers is to remove intellectual barriers, equip others, and foster a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ. Lastly, we must always look to Jesus who serves as the ultimate model of apologetic engagement, demonstrating the methodology of both intellect and compassion. All followers of Jesus must be apologists by planting seeds and trusting the Holy Spirit to harvest them.

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[i] Groothuis, Douglas. Essay. Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, 9. S.l.: INTERVARSITY PRESS, 2022. [ii] Ibid., 9

[iii] Gould, P.M., Dickinson, T. and Loftin, R.K. (2018) ‘1’, in Stand firm: Apologetics and the brilliance of the Gospel. Nashville, TN: B & H Academic, pp. 9–9. [iv] Groothuis, "Christian Apologetics," 30 [v] Ibid., 32 [vi] Ibid., 20

[vii] Craig, William Lane. On Guard. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2010.