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Pastor Lud Golz
Pastor Lud Golz

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  Home | Transcript Archive | March | March 12, 2019

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

As we continue to study 1 Peter 3:15-16 let’s amplify the third point under the focus of these verses: being prepared to give a persuasive answer about our hope in a hopeless world.  The third point is, a persuasive response to enquiring minds. 

Dr. Wuest in his commentary on 1st Peter, writes “The words ‘give an answer’ are the translation of a Greek word used as a legal term in the courts.  It means literally ‘to talk off from,’ and was used of an attorney who talked his client off from a charge preferred against him.  He presented a verbal defense.” 

In the context of these two verses Peter gives instructions about how to live when facing persecution and malicious slander.  The ones asking for answers were not friendly enquirers.  They were ruthless accusers, challenging their faith, and threatening their lives. 

When facing attacks the tendency might be to fight fire with fire.  But that’s not how we should respond.  Our reasoned response should be presented “with gentleness and respect.”  The word “gentleness” or “meekness,” is described in the Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia: “it does not include timidity.  Meekness does not mean weakness; rather it suggests controlled and bridled strength. 

Other adjectives describing this quality are ‘considerate,’ ‘unassuming,’ ‘courteous,’ and ‘humble.’”  Paul put it this way in 2 Timothy 2:25: when opposed, we should “gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.”

 

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