“Apologetics” comes from the Greek word apologia, meaning “defense” or “answer,” or “vindication.” Accordingly, Christian apologetics is the practice of giving reasons that support the Christian faith and responding to objections raised against it. (Quoted from a portion of the PREFACE of “THE APOLOGETICS STUDY BIBLE, Copyright 2007 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.
Apologetics is defending the Christian Faith and the defense of the Divine Inspiration of Scripture. It is a systematic structure or discourse, defending and/or debating the Divine origin and authority of the Bible and the Christian faith.
Categorical studies are a form of apologetics because they equip the believer to defend his faith and give reason for the hope that is in him. Metabolized Bible Doctrine is essential for defending what we believe (Romans 1: 1-4, 16,17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 2:5-16; 6:19, 20; 8:6; 15:3,4, 12-28 & 42-50; Philippians 1: 7,17, 20,21; 1 Thessalonians 1:5,6; 2:12,13; Titus 3:1-11; 1 Peter 3:15). Apologetics includes both positive arguments for Absolute Truth and rebuttals of criticisms leveled against Absolute Truth.
In 1 Peter 3:15, the Apostle Peter exhort the believers to stand fast (be faithful) even under persecution and suffering. Peter reminds us, our apologetic must be prayerfully considered and presented with gentleness and respect even to our enemies who persecute us in some way. We have received Christ into our hearts as Lord and Savior, therefore, we must depend on the Lordship of the Holy Spirit so that our answer is not provoking or offensive.