Apologetics can be defined in numerous ways all having the same meaning. The first definition is the art of explaining the faith in such a way as to make a reasoned defense against its detractors. Secondly apologetics is giving a reasoned defense of Christian truth-claims, in particular of the authenticity of the Bible and the deity and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And thirdly According to Ronald S. Wallace, apologetics can be formally defined as “the use of theology in order to justify Christianity before men, in the claims it makes to be ultimate truth, in the demands it makes on its followers, and in its universal mission. “The task of Christian apologetics is to identify misbeliefs and remove them as obstacles to faith. The goal is to compel unbelievers to re-evaluate their anti-Christian assumptions in light of the evidence for the veracity of Christianity.”Christian thinkers have debated the role of apologetics particularly as to its function in leading people to faith in Christ. Some have concluded that the primary purpose of apologetics is not evangelism but rather a strengthening of believers. Others say that Christian apologetics can be an instrument of God for ushering unbelievers into the kingdom. “R. C. Sproul explains, apologetics demonstrates “why Christians are Christians and why non-Christians should be Christians.”2 The apologetic job description is to communicate Christian truths to non-Christians in such a way that they will listen; the goal is always evangelistic—to lead non-Christians to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Apologetics is not preaching. But apologetics does clear the way for the proclamation of the Christian message.

      The foremost purpose of apologetics is to bring glory to God by honoring and serving His Son, Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul tells us that “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).(NKJV) Elsewhere he adds, “whatever you do in word or deed. The primary apologetics text in Scripture is 1 Peter 3:15: “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense [Greek: apologia] to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (NkJV)

Kenneth O. Gangel, vol. 5, Acts, Holman New Testament Commentary; Holman Reference (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998), 378-79. 2 R. C. Sproul, John Gerstner, and Arthur Lindsley, Classical Apologetics (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), 16.