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Answer
First Peter 3:15 states, “But in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to provide an answer to everyone who asks you to explain the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” It’s a verse that inspires Christian apologists as they get ready to offer explanations in defense of their faith.
In the immediate context, the apostle Peter discusses enduring suffering for doing good (1 Peter 3:13-14). Persecution and suffering are inevitable in the Christian life «These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.», (John 16:33), but a believer’s response to suffering should direct others to Jesus. Peter stresses that Christ suffered and died to offer eternal life to those who believe in Him, and His example of enduring suffering for doing good should encourage all of us (1 Peter 3:17-18). Instead of dreading persecution, Christians are to ensure they suffer for the sake of righteousness, “honor Christ the Lord as holy,” and be ready to provide a defense of their hope in Jesus (verse 15, ESV). A believer should always be prepared to share with others the good news of salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:2-4).
Offering a “defense” or providing an “answer” for one’s hope is rooted in the Greek word apologian, which conveys the concept of “defending” something as a lawyer would defend his case in court. From the Greek word comes the English term apologetics, “the discipline of defending” the Christian faith. Note that Peter does not mention that the task of giving
Having an answer is not only for the pastor or professional apologist. All Christians should be ready to provide an answer or defense when questioned about the reason for their hope.
Peter wrote to the persecuted Christians in Asia Minor. While facing persecution, their conduct showed hope in Jesus— not mere wishful thinking, but a firm and certain faith (see Hebrews 6:19-20). The believers’ fearless attitude in the midst of suffering would have prompted others to inquire about the basis of their faith, offering them a perfect opportunity “to give an answer.” When believers exhibit unwavering hope in Jesus regardless of their circumstances, others take notice “having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (see 1 Peter 2:12).
To effectively respond to inquiries about one’s faith, a Christian should respond with “gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience” “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:” (1 Peter 3:15). There is no room for harshness or disrespect in a Christian’s life, particularly when representing Christ and explaining their faith. Peter encourages believers to address unbelievers with gentleness, respect, and through the example of their lives (cf. Colossians 4:6). Believers are urged to embody Christ’s teaching of gentleness and “speak the truth in love” “but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (see Ephesians 4:15).
The command to “always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” presupposes a faith that causes us to live out our hope in Christ visibly before others. When unbelievers see a Christian’s great hope in the face of persecution or suffering, they will naturally want to know the reason for that hope «Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. », (Matthew 5:16). We need to be prepared to share the gospel in a way that is gentle and respectful. The result will be “that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” «having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. », (1 Peter 3:16).
