1. 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the meaning behind “to make a defense”?

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

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,

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