Peter wrote to the Christians suffering persecution in Anatolia: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Pet. 3:15-17). Because this is the verse to which we refer as a guide for how we should defend what we believe, and because of the sheer importance of that subject, we shall camp on this passage for a few weeks.

First we need to note the context of the verse in First Peter. The apostle is writing to Christians who are enduring some kind of persecution. We do not know whether it is from Jews, the Roman government, or abuse from pagan neighbors who resented their innovative and exclusive-type religion. Probably it is the latter, but it really doesn’t matter. The fact is that these Christians needed to give an answer to people who apparently were in the practice of asking or demanding such an answer from them. Peter tells them the appropriate way to respond.

The passage occurs in an immediate context of Peter’s telling them first, how to conduct their family relationships (3:1-7); second, how to live with each other: in harmony, sympathetically, lovingly, compassionately, and humbly (3:8); and third, how to live in a righteous manner before all people (3:9-17).

How does our situation differ? We do have unbelieving friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and perhaps even family members who ask us why we believe what we do. But we also have fellow Christians who hold to different doctrinal positions to ask questions. We actually have more of the latter type than the former. Because Christians do differ on many issues, the whole question comes up as to what are the essentials of the faith, where lines of fellowship must be drawn, what can and cannot be tolerated, and what is really worth defending. And this passage, although not originally intended for answering questions among Christians, does apply. We need to look deeply into the subject. I am aware that many of our readers may differ with some of my conclusions, but I do not offer them as though speaking pontifically ex cathedra, but hopefully to challenge our readers to think through the subject and reach the position Peter advocates: that we are able to give a rational answer in the appropriate spirit to whoever asks.