The Incautious Apologist

Patrick Henry Reardon on Reticence & the Mysteries of Sin & Salvation

An important part of the proclamation of the Christian faith to the world is, of course, a proper defense of that faith. We are not surprised, therefore, that this defensive ministry, called “apologetics,” is very much in evidence in our records of the apostolic preaching to those outside the faith. The Apostle Paul, for instance, wrote of his “defense [apologia] and confirmation of the gospel” (Phil. 1:7).

Paul illustrated such a defense when given opportunity to address a Jewish mob gathered near the temple. He began by declaring, “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense [apologia] before you now” (Acts 22:1; cf. 25:16), and then he went on to argue for the truth of the gospel.

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Patrick Henry Reardon is pastor emeritus of All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois, and the author of numerous books, including, most recently, Out of Step with God: Orthodox Christian Reflections on the Book of Numbers (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2019).

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