Be Prepared to Make a Defense (2)

Introduction to Apologetics from the perspective of Acts 17

“Apologetics is the reverent, reasonable, and humble defense - through our words and through our lives - of the hope we have in the risen Christ.” - Timothy Paul Jones

1 Peter 3:15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”

1. Make a Defense to Other Believers

The chapter begins with Paul and Silas in Thessalonica (17:1-9)

Paul reasons with the Jews from the Scriptures the truth regarding the Messiah, Jesus.

Isaiah 53:10–12 “Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”

They had an idea of the Messiah that was established in error.

Paul used the scriptures to correct that error.

Cultural Christians

Cultural Christians are just as in need of saving as the pagans we’ll talk about later are.

Brief Personal Testimony.

Christian’s who are struggling with their faith.

You are not alone. Seek help from those around you.

You have 2,000 years of church history to answer the questions you have.

Pay attention to the reactions that the Jews in Thessalonica had. This will be an important fact in a few minutes.

They led a revolt that pushed them out of the city.

Paul and Silas are brought to Berea (VV 10-15)

These Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica.

They were eager to examine the Word to find the truth.

Difference in the reaction to your truth claims.

Loads of Love

2. Make a Defense to Nonbelievers

Paul, alone, is brought to Athens (VV 16-32)

“his spirit was provoked.”

Anger for the idols and grief for the souls

Estimated to be around 30,000 idols in Athens around this time.

“Junkyard of Idols”

Paul was in the Synagogue and market place reasoning with anyone who would listen.

He sparked the attention of the Epicureans and Stoic philosophers.

“What does this babbler say?” “Preacher of Foreign Divinities”

He is brought before a council in the Areopagus (High City) because he was preaching Christ and the Resurrection.

Similar to Socrates

Paul’s method for Apologetics: Respect, Build on the worldview, point to Jesus.

“I perceive that in every way you are very religious.”

Talking about their piety and devoutness.

“Objects of your worship”

He’s meeting them at their knowledge base.

Paul uses their “unknown God” idol and points it to the one true God.

The God wh/o made creation. All of it.

Does not live in temples, is not served by human hands. He doesn’t need anything because He gave us everything.

He made every nation from one man. We are united under this God.

“He is not far from each one of us” He hasn’t been “unknown” or absent from this temple. He has been present from eternity.

He quotes a poem to Zeus and the constellations.

Poem from Aratus of Soli (Phaenomena)

He brings it around to the Christian worldview.

He doesn’t need our art or imagination.

He has overlooked the ignorance of the “unknown God”.

He commands everyone, everywhere, to repent.

He’s not asking or pleading. He’s commanding.

He’s set the court date, the Judge, and qualified the judge.

Application

We do not compromise Biblical truth in order to persuade others.

Conversation with Peggy

Building a foundation using lies is equivalent to building a house on sand.

2. Be gracious in your evangelism.

a. These are souls that need saving, not individuals needing convincing.

3. Always end with an invitation to the Gospel.

Invite everyone to Jesus.

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important” -C.S. Lewis