Defense (1 Pet. 3:15)

The apostle Peter wrote his first letter to persecuted Christians, and in it he encouraged them to live each day in light of the glorious future God had—and has—for them. At the same time, Peter was concerned that believers make connections with those outside the church—even with the ones who were persecuting them—and help them see that Christ really is God’s Messiah, worthy of devotion and trust. Accordingly, Peter wrote to his readers, “And who will harm you if you are deeply committed to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed, but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:13-15).

The word translated defense in verse 15 is an interesting word. The translators of the King James Version used the phrase give an answer to represent it. It means “to give a verbal defense or a reasoned statement or argument.” From this Greek word we get our English word apologetics. This does not carry the idea of an apology for anything, but, as we have indicated, a defense. The word is used seven other times in the New Testament. In Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Cor. 9:3; Phil. 1:7,16, and 2 Tim. 4:16 the word is rendered defense. In 2 Cor. 7:11 it is translated as clear yourselves.

Returning to 1 Peter 3, we should note the manner in which believers are to defend the faith. Yes, defend it! Use good, reasonable arguments to make the case for what you believe! However, also defend it “with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame” (v. 16). Believers are therefore not only to argue for the truth of the gospel with effectiveness when they speak; they also are to live lives that match their professed allegiance to Christ. A pure live is part of an effective defense of biblical truth.