Apologetics

Abstract

Abstract The concept of apologetics comes from the Greek apologia , meaning the act of defending some postulate or belief. Very early in the life of the Christian church, certain individuals were apologists who defended the veracity of Christianity's teachings. St. Paul saw himself in that light when he said, “I am appointed for the defense [ apologia ] of the gospel” (Phil. 1:17). Similarly, St. Peter wrote to the Christians of his day urging them “always be ready to give a defense [apologia] to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you …” (1 Pet. 3:15). Following Paul and Peter, other Christians engaged in apologetics, for example, the great apologist Justin in the 2nd century. On account of his strong defense of Christianity, he suffered martyrdom under Emperor Marcus Aurelius when he was executed in ad 166. For his apologetic posture, historians continue to call him Justin Martyr.