What is Apologetics?
Our word "apology" is an interesting one. It is not a translation but a transliteration of the Greek apologia. In our day it is frequently used to designate an expression of regret for some improper or injudicious remark or act. This was not its original sense at all. Instead, it referred to a statement, either oral or written, in justification or defense of one's conviction about a matter under challenge.
In its early days, Christianity became the butt of attack by pagan philosophers and politicians who were masters of the art of ridicule. Many of these were brilliant men in positions of authority in heathen schools and governments. But there were also men of ability who wrote in behalf of the faith, and the second and third centuries of the Christian era produced some noble apologists. From their replies we can ascertain the charges made against the followers of Jesus, and can determine how these accusations were countered.
In these latter days, Christianity is still the butt of attack. The grand opportunity of the church today is comparable to that of the Apostles Peter, Paul, and John; and to that of the Christian apologists of the first three centuries. This exciting opportunity means the church can spread like wild fire if we catch the vision of those men and women.