[Greek] ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai), [Latin] defendere: to make a speech in defense of, to defend oneself, to give an account of oneself, to make a defense of, to defend oneself; Lk.12:11, Lk.21:14, Acts 19:33, Acts 24:10, Acts 25:8, Acts 26:12, Rom.2:15, 2Cor.12:19
A statue of St. Apollinaris at Santa Maria del Suffragio Church in Ravenna Italy
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to speak in defense of, to speak for oneself, to defend oneself against, to speak in another’s behalf, to defend what one has done, and to refute a charge. An apologist is one who performs these actions. An apology is the act of defending. Thucydides’ The Peloponessia War 1.72 states “Their intention was not to offer a defense on any charges which the city brought against them, but to showon a comprehensive view that it was not a matter to make a hasty decision.” Antiphon Second Tetralogy 3.2.1 states “I have today been forced by sheer misfortune to depart from my habitgs and appear as a defendant in a case which I found it hard enough to arrive at the exact truth. Lysias’ Funeral Orations 2.65 states “By their conspicuous greatness and nobility of their conduct, they justified the claim that the formers disasters of the city were due to no resmissness of their own nor to the valor of the enemy.”
New Testament: This term means to defend oneself, to speak in one’s own behalf, and to equip oneself. Paul makes a quite a valiant effort in defending his actions, proving himself not to be accountable to the Jews’ accusations. Paul eloquently explains that his efforts as a Christian are the results of fulfillment of the Jewish people. God makes the provision that the Gentiles are not bound by the Law. God has placed in their hearts the ability to know right and wrong. One’s conscience bears witness to defending the laws. In his efforts to build his congregation, Paul offers a defense (way of life) for how the Christians should conduct themselves. Paul speaks for their behalf.
“When they take you before synagogues an before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.” Lk.12:11
Jesus provides us access to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will provide the words needed in the face of persecution. The Holy Spirit will provide guidance in the Christian mission.
Scripture:
“They show that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thought accuse or even defend them.” Rom.2:15
The Gentiles are not obligated to follow the Law. God made it possible for the Gentiles to know (in their hearts) the difference between right and wrong. One’s conscience bears witness to defend these laws, despite one’s conflicting thoughts.
“Have you been thinking all along that we are defending ourselves before you? In the sight of God we are speaking in Christ, and all for building you up, beloved.” 2Cor.12:19
Paul’s actions and efforts served to build up the Christians. Paul offers a defense (way of life) for the Christians to follow and to conduct themselves.
St. Apollinaris: He was a second century bishop of Phrygia (western Turkey). He addressed an “apology” (defense) of the Christian religion to the emperor Marcus Aurelius, who previously before had obtained a military victory with one his legions, composed mainly of Christians. Apollinaris reminded the emperor that a copious rainfall has saved this dying and dehydrated legion because of prayers. This storm had saved the legion and helped the legion to conquer the Germans. His preaching to the pagans was so successful that the pagans beat and drove him from the city of Ravenna. Apollinarius was ultimately martyred.
Conclusion:
Apology, apologetic, apologetics, defend, defence (defense)
First of all, I have to say that this has to be one on my favorite terms. I make no apologies about this. I will explain later. An apology (in the classic sense) is a reasoned statement (argument) in defense of something or someone. Not surprisingly, this term finds itself in courtroom settings and political contexts. Philosophers quite often use their skills in presenting their positions.
Paul was quite effective in defending himself from Jewish accusations. As a Roman citizen, he was given the right to be to be killed as a Roman citizen, rather than as a Jew or slave. Paul provides for his followers an ‘apology’ in how to live as a Christian. The Holy Spirit is given to us to help us have the words in the Christian path.
It is interesting to note that Apollinaris was a disciple of Peter. Apolliniaris followed Peter to Rome. It was sometime during Claudius’ reign (41-54 AD) that Apollinaris was appointed bishop of Ravenna.
Justin Martyr is perhaps the most notable Christian apologist. After his conversion, he continued to use his philosophical skills in converting others to Christianity. Rather than remaining with his fellow Christians, he continued to associate with his fellow philosophers at the temple grounds. The philosophers had a code of conduct which allowed one to present his arguments without fear of recrimination or arrest.
It was perhaps at end of the 16th century that this term begins to take on the meaning “I’m sorry.” This may have started with Shakespeare. This term also took on the meaning of making an excuse. Then one can clearly see how this meaning had changed over time.
On a personal level, in addition to being a catechist, I am also a Catholic apologist. I am also very much interested in etymology (the original meaning of words). My blogging site is extensively involved with exegesis (drawing out the original meaning of words). This is contrasted with eisegesis (what I think this word means).
I am sorry (not really) for the length of this post, but I wanted to apologize (give an account for this important term).
Update: July 20 is a day we celebrate St. Apollinaris.