The word was commonly used for a legal defence in the court of law, although it also connotes a judicial interrogation; at times it is used to express defence of one’s position. In this text the text may is calling for a provision of a response refuting any wrong claim about the position or the faith of the Christians to those from the outside of their faith, the sceptic or those who abuse the grace.1
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,