[Greek] ἀπολογία (apologia), [Latin] defensio, [Latin] ratio, [Latin] defendere: defense, vindication, apology, explanation, justification; Act25:16, 2Cor 7:11,Phil 1:7,16,2 Tim 4:16,1 Pet 3:15
Justin Martyr (born 100 A.D.) is perhaps one of greatest apologists (defenders) of the Catholic faith.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means speech in defense of or response to something.
Antiphon’s On the Choreutes 6.7: “My own attitude to my defense is very different from that of my accusers to their prosecution. They have treated their speech as nothing but an opportunity for malicious falsehood. Even though I am entirely innocent.”
Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 3.61: “We should never have asked to make this speech if the Plataeans had contented themselves with shortly answering the question, and had not turned around and made charges against us. However, since they have done so, we must answer their charges and refute them.
Plato’s Apology 28a: “That I am not a wrongdoer seems to me not to need much of a defense, but what has been said is enough. But you may be assured that what I said before is true, that great hatred has risen against in the minds of many persons.”
New Testament: This term means defense and reason.
Scripture:
Acts 22:1: “My brothers and fathers, listen what I am about to say to you in my defense.” (Paul’s first defense is presented to the Jerusalem crowds. Luke presents Paul as a devout and zealous persecutor of the Christian community. Paul relates to others his conversion story to become a Christian apostle.)
Acts 25:16: “I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faces his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.” (As a Roman citizen, Paul was entitled to have the “right to be beheaded” rather than to be crucified like a slave or barbarian. Paul was also entitled to have the right to defend himself and the right to face his accuser.)
2Tim.4:16: “At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me.”
- After the great fire of Rome in 64 A.D., Christians were looked upon as enemies of the state. Accused Christians were killed by being burned to death.
- This scripture implies a second trial for Paul in Rome. Paul could have been charged and given a warning in the complicity of the introduction of Christianity in Rome.
- The second defense (trial) leads to Paul’s second imprisonment for actively introducing Christianity in Rome.
- Christians were fearful and afraid in standing with Paul against the Roman authorities.
- Paul was mindful of other Christians’ fears and concerns. Paul did not hold this against them.
- Tradition [Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History] indicates that Paul was finally beheaded in 64 A.D. in Rome.
1Pet.3:15: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.”
Christians suffering and restraint: 1 Pet.3:13-17, 1Pet.18-21
- If you suffer because of righteousness [of God], blessed are you.
- Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.
- It is better to suffer for doing good, if that is God’s will, than to do evil.
- Whenever anyone bears the pain of unjust suffering, following the God’s will, that is a GRACE.
- If you are patient when you suffer for doing good, this is a GRACE before God.
- For this you have been called [to share in Christ’s suffering], because Christ also suffered. Christ leaves you an example that you should follow in His footsteps.
Lk.12:11: “When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.”
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.
Lk.21:14-15: “Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.”
“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.