David Anguish
A previous article noted that the New Testament writings are capable of equipping us to meet the modern world with its philosophies, movements and religions which challenge the faith. This knowledge should relieve us from some of the despair we feel over challenges we meet now which our parents and grandparents did not face. It should also encourage us to a fresh study of the New Testament in the interest of discerning what we can learn from it for meeting our changing world. As a beginning step in that renewed study, consider the following survey of the New Testament's emphasis on a defense of the faith. As we will see, it is not out of line to think of the New Testament documents as something of a legal brief for our case in defense of Christ and his way.
Beginning with the gospels, we do not read long before we understand that all four of these books were written to offer a defense and explanation of belief in Jesus. John's purpose statement is probably the best known communication of this goal: "Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31, NASB). But Luke's introduction shows a similar emphasis: "In as much as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us,...it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught" (Luke 1:1, 3-4).
What begins in the gospels continues in the other twenty-three writings. Acts finishes Luke's account (cf. 1:1ff. of both books) and is designed to explain and show the validity of the church's work. In Romans, Paul defends his gospel, showing that God kept His promises to Israel through Jesus and that those promises include Gentiles (note especially chapters 9-11). Both 1 and 2 Corinthians contain defense matters as part of their treatment of the Corinthians' problems, including Paul's defense of himself and his ministry against "false prophets" (2 Cor 10-13). Galatians defends freedom in Christ against those who would return released believers to the slavery of legalism. Ih Philippians, we see a defense against Judaizers (chapter 3), set in the context of a writing in which Paul thanks the church for participating in his "defense" of the gospel (Phil 1:7, 16). Colossians is a defense of an exalted view of Jesus against a multi-faceted heresy. The Thessalonian letters reassure believers in the face of persecution, defending key teachings in the process. Paul also tells them to "examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good" (1 Thess 5:21). The letters to Timothy and Titus focus on encouragement to continue the work of an evangelist and especially emphasize the truth as the antidote for the false teachings as the younger men faced. Hebrews is a defense against a return to Judaism because Christ is a better apostle and priest, with a better covenant and way. James assumes the truth of the Christian way as the basis for the endurance which is that book's theme. Peter's letters defend the faith against persecution and suffering (1 Peter) and false teachers (2 Peter). In John's letters, the apostle grounds his teaching in the historical reliability of Jesus' life as he responds to those who were teaching various false views about Christ and his way. Jude wrote "to appeal that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints" (Jude 3). Revelation, the theme of which is "Victory in Jesus," was written against the backdrop of those who could be overcome with fear that the devil would win through the Roman Empire; John's message is that the faith will stand because it is true.
It is clear that there is ample material available from God's word to effectively meet the challenge we face from an unbelieving world. Let us be diligent ins study that we may learn its lessons.