1 Peter 3:15 says, “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.” This verse is the hub for almost every conversation I’ve ever heard on the subject of apologetics, or in other words, defending the Christian faith. The context of this verse points us to an audience Peter was writing to in Asia minor who was suffering for their faith from those who hated their Christian ethic. Christians were threatened with physical harm, ruined reputations, lost jobs, and severed friendships. Yet Peter knew that suffering for righteousness’ sake brings this unique platform for the gospel because people who suffer well inevitably receive curious questions from a watching world like, “I don’t understand how you’re keeping it together. What’s sustaining you during such trial and difficulty?” And it’s in those moments that God gives great opportunity to defend the hope that is in the Christian.

The word “defense” is where we get the word apologetics from, which implies that our faith is a reasonable and rational faith that makes logical sense. Our job is to articulate the hope you have in Jesus in a way that is accessible to the non-Christian. In the consideration of apologetics, it’s helpful for Christians to be equipped with the essential elements of the 3 aspects of apologetics. The first aspect is proof, which is the presentation of a rational basis for faith in Christ. The second aspect is defense, which is the ability to answer the skeptic’s basic questions about God, creation, sin, and Jesus. The third aspect is offense, where the believer exposes the holes in the varying unbelieving worldviews. This is where apologetics can be more like a sport for people instead of a humble ministry. Thus, it is telling that Peter mentions giving a defense “with gentleness and respect.”

Contextually, believers were pressed on all sides by a hostile world and were opposed concerning their faith, so the temptation was ever present to respond aggressively or defensively. In our context, what is common is that people either see apologetics as a debate to be won or a stat to add to their evangelism record, which is why I’m so appreciative of the context of this passage. Suffering creates an atmosphere that sees the necessity, not the sport of the conversation. It’s less about pride and having to answer every question and more about humility and gospel proclamation, even if you have to admit you don’t know the answer to a particular question. When you’re not gentle, it’s probably because you’re trying to force something on someone. When you’re not respectful, it’s probably because you’re trying to win the conversation. And yet Peter says there is a way to defend the faith gently and respectfully. How is this possible? It’s possible when you trust God to do the work of changing someone’s heart. You’re a messenger, not a debate champion. You proclaim and pray. At best, you plant or water, but only God gives the growth.

With that in mind, Peter’s calling in this verse is to be prepared. Your job isn’t to seek suffering but to be found faithful when it strikes. How are you preparing? Many of us have nerves when it comes to being put on the spot for a test of any kind, and the best way to alleviate those nerves is to practice, practice, practice. Get familiar with the debates and the arguments and make sure you understand them enough to share them with others when the opportunity comes.

I have found several resources very useful, and I commend them to you below:

Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig

Always Ready by Greg Bahnsen

Apologetics to the Glory of God by John Frame

Every Thought Captive by Richard Pratt

Jesus Among Other Gods by Ravi Zacharias

The Big Book of Christian Apologetics by Norm Geisler

The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity by Alex McFarland and Lee Strobel