Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: November 25, 2007
THOSE WHO WILL NOT ANSWER (Part 2)
Ben Justice
[CONTINUATION LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE]
If the Christian suffers for righteousness’ sake, he is to “be not afraid of
their terror, neither be troubled.” Then, in v. 15, Peter draws a contrast by
stating how the Christian is to respond — “But sanctify the Lord God in your
hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason
of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” There are two positives in verse
15 set in contrast to the two negatives in verse 14. The first positive is “sanctify
the Lord God in your hearts.” This is what the Christian must do when he
suffers for righteousness’ sake. The English word “sanctify” functions as a verb
and is from the Greek word hagizao, which literally denotes, “to set apart.” The
Christian must, in the face of persecution, set apart the Lord God in his heart.
The Christian must remain faithful in making Christ the Lord and Ruler of his
life. This will certainly preclude being afraid and being troubled.
The second positive admonition given by Peter serves as the theme of this
article — “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of
the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” This command contains a whole
lot that is truly worthy of our careful study. Let it be emphasized again that this
is a command; it is not optional. There are several important truths to be
gleaned from this commandment. Note the following:
1.) The expression “be ready” underscores the need for Christians to be
prepared to give an answer. Being ready implies being prepared. It also implies
that you are able and that you are willing. Certainly, this does not mean that
the Christian is omniscient in knowledge and that he will always be able to
answer at every moment. It does mean, however, that the Christian is ready and
prepared to go to God’s authority and give an answer. Providing an answer may
require a bit of searching, but it is this searching that the Christian will never
shun. Thus, he is ready and prepared.
2.) The term “answer” is from the Greek word apologia. We get our English word
“apology” from it. However, it must be noted that the word “apology” now takes
on the meaning of “excuse” or “sorry.” The original word literally means
“defense.” Since this defense is in response to questions that others have
asked (as is indicated in the passage), it follows, therefore, that this defense is
in fact answering those questions. In answering questions that are asked one is
giving a defense. It is certainly true that the Christian can give a defense of his
faith without ever actually answering questions that have been asked. But,
Peter is very clear in this particular passage that the kind of defense under
consideration is that in which a Christian is answering questions that have been
asked.
The Greek word apologia is used in other scriptures also and is actually
translated “defense.” Paul gave a “defense” of the gospel (Acts 22:1). In Phil. 1:
7, Paul declared that he was “in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” In
Phil. 1:17, Paul stated, “. . . I am set for the defense of the gospel.”
3.) Giving an answer to questions that have been asked is inclusive of “every
man.” It is often the case that liberals will erroneously conclude that answering
questions refers only to those who are persecuting us. While it is true that the
context is dealing with persecution the Christians will face, the expression
“every man” is by no means limited to those men who persecute us. Anyone who
would ask questions deserves to have those questions answered. And, we must
be ready and prepared to do so.
4.) Giving an answer to every man concerns “the hope that is in you.” The
brother I alluded to earlier (see last week’s article) who did not want to answer
the questions I set forth to him said that the context of I Pet. 3:15 has to do
with “the hope that is in you.” He apparently believed, therefore, that I Pet. 3:15
did not obligate him to answer my questions. There is no denying that Peter
spoke relative to answering questions concerning the hope that is in us, but
what kind of hope does a person have who refuses to answer spiritual, religious,
and moral questions? The Christian who has a living hope (cf. I Pet. 1:3) will
always be ready and prepared to answer whatever questions may come his way.
Paul declared in Rom. 5:5, “And hope maketh not ashamed. . . .” But, the sad fact
is, many today are ashamed; they don’t want to address anything that may be
asked of them. The hope we have as Christians is “an anchor of the soul, both
sure and steadfast,” as the inspired writer affirmed (Heb. 6:19). A Christian’s
hope is not anchored very securely if he not willing to answer questions; his
hope is not sure and steadfast if he brushes aside concerns that may be asked
of him. The hope we have of eternal life (Titus 1:2) will motivate us to be ready
always to give an answer to every man. Paul had hope, and this hope moved him
to use “great plainness (lit. boldness) of speech” (2 Cor. 3:12).
5.) This passage teaches that there is a reason for our hope. The word “reason”
is from the Greek word logos, which literally means “word.” We derive our
English word “logic” from it. In fact, logos forms the root word for apologia. This
word is used over 300 times in the NT. It has a wide variety of meanings and
applications in the scriptures. The context must always determine how the word
is being used in a particular passage. The word used in I Pet. 3:15 denotes “an
account.” Thayer has a lengthy discourse on this word. With reference to I Pet.
3:15, he stated, “account, i.e. answer or explanation in reference to judgment” (J.
H. Thayer, “The New Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon,” # 3056, Pg. 380-381).
The Christian must give a rational, intelligent, logical account of the truth (cf. I
Thess. 5:21). Again, the passage under consideration speaks specifically of
answering questions that have been asked. We can’t evade the force of Peter’s
command to give an answer. Sadly, many do that very thing today. They feel that
they are immune or exempt from answering questions.
6.) The Christian, in giving an answer (account), must demonstrate the right
attitude — “with meekness and fear.” “Meekness” does not mean “weakness” as
many think today. The word underscores a humble disposition, one that is not
haughty or arrogant. The Christian never has the right to be ugly or unkind. It
is true, though, that one can be angry at sin and yet not sin himself (Eph. 4:26).
There are some things that come up that require righteous indignation, such as
our Lord exhibited when he overthrew the money-changers tables (Matt. 21:12-
13). Christians must boldly give a defense of the truth and never cower in the
face of attack (cf. Acts 4:29, 31; 13:46; 26:26; Eph. 6:19).
The word “fear” denotes reverence and respect. Obviously, the Christian
doesn’t have reverence for the one persecuting him. The Christian fears God
and the judgment day in the which he will give an account (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10).
There are other scriptures in addition to I Pet. 3:15 that also teach the
obligation we have to answer questions. Paul affirmed in Col. 4:6, “Let your
speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to
answer every man.” This implies that we will be asked questions. Again, we see
the expression “every man.” The word “ought” implies a moral obligation. We
are, therefore, morally obligated to answer every man.
Some have even questioned the idea of asking questions. However, a
consideration of a number of NT passages clearly establishes the authority for
such.
[WILL CONTINUE NEXT WEEK]