School 4 of 5
Defend the Faith
Straight answers to the hardest questions, at the depth the moment needs.
Hard questions get straight answers at three depths, so you can answer in a hallway or over a long coffee.
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15 (BSB)
In plain words
Set Christ apart in your heart as Lord. Then be ready: when someone asks the reason for your hope, have the answer prepared, and give it with gentleness and respect.
The original word · A defense: apologia
The word translated 'defense' is apologia, a formal answer or defence, the word used when a person answers charges before officials, as Paul does in Acts 22:1 and 25:16. Peter is not asking for an argument; he is asking for a reasoned answer, ready in advance.
Context · Gentle, while being slandered
Peter writes to Christians who were being insulted and slandered for Christ's sake (1 Peter 3:16). The command to answer gently is given to people with every reason to answer sharply, which is the point.
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:20 (BSB)
In plain words
But. Paul's whole argument turns on that word. Christ has been raised, and 'firstfruits' means he is the first of a harvest, not a one-off: what happened to him will happen to those who belong to him.
The original word · Firstfruits: aparchē
The Greek word is aparchē, the first portion of the harvest, offered to God before the rest was gathered. Thayer's lexicon notes that, said of Christ here, it carries a pledge: the firstfruits come first and guarantee that the rest of the harvest follows.
Context · The first sheaf
In Israel's worship, the first sheaf of the harvest was brought to God as an offering before the crop was gathered in (Leviticus 23:10). Paul's readers knew the picture: one sheaf first, the whole field after it.
Two tracks, one school
The Youth track (12–17) and the Adult track cover the same ground at the depth each reader needs.
Youth track
- The Toughest Questions
- Conversation Skills In preparation
Adult track
- The Toughest Questions
- Conversation Skills In preparation
Courses in this school
The first course is complete with a sample lesson. The rest are in preparation and are listed honestly as such.
- The Toughest QuestionsThe questions people actually ask, each answered in three layers: thirty seconds, three minutes, and the deep dive for when you have an evening.
- Conversation SkillsApologetics is a conversation, not a contest: questions that open doors, calm under pressure, and the wisdom to stop.In preparation