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Paul’s Apology - Acts 22
Paul’s Apology - Acts 22
1 "Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you." (Acts 22:1) It is interesting that the word ‘defense’ here is from the Greek apologia. We transliterate that into the English ‘apology’, but it doesn’t mean ‘apology’ as in our vocabulary, but, as translated here, a DEFENSE. That is, as defined by Strong’s lexicon: 1 verbal defense, speech in defense. 2 a reasoned statement or argument.
[Note the many times this is then used to describe Paul’s speaking to various peoples – scriptures below]
Thus Peter’s later use of this in 1 Peter 3:15: but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
Such defense is NOT just arguing. The defense required of us is one that first sanctifies Jesus as LORD. Our master, our King, our Savior, and our Judge. He will continue to be so even if we give a poor defense or even none at all. But, in our explaining to others the hope that we have because of Jesus and our faith in Him, let us make sure we do NOT misbehave and succumb to the temptation of using worldly tactics to ‘win the debate’. This happens far too many times in our confrontations with unbelievers. Is YOUR speech tempered with gentleness towards the opposition and reverence towards God?
Hugh DeLong
Acts 19:33 33 Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly.
Acts 24:10 10 When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense,
Acts 25:8 8 while Paul said in his own defense, "I have committed no offense either against the Law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar."
Acts 25:16 16 "I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges.
Acts 26:1 1 Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense:
Acts 26:2 2 "In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today;
Acts 26:24 24 While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus *said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad."
Luke 12:11 11 "When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say;
Luke 21:14 14 "So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;
Romans 2:15 15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,
1 Corinthians 9:3 3 My defense to those who examine me is this:
2 Corinthians 7:11 11 For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter.
2 Corinthians 12:19 19 All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved.
Philippians 1:7 7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.
Philippians 1:17 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.
2 Timothy 4:16 16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
