The Apologetics Study Bible: Understand Why You Believe

Book Preface

The editors of the work in your hands are aware of the rich resources of the Christian faith. All too often, though, believers feel battered and helpless to answer skeptics and critics. Ironically, the Lord has been pleased to entrust the scholars of the church in our generation with the greatest wealth of biblical, theological, philosophical, historical, and scientific knowledge in history. Christian conviction, defense of the faith, and evangelization of unbelievers would profit vastly through exposure to this confirmation of biblical truth. Yet sadly, the church has had precious little contact with this treasure trove.

In response to this situation, The Apologetics Study Bible brings together in one resource the work of biblically faithful exegetes, historians, archaeologists, theologians, philosophers, and scientists—and all this work is wedded to the Bible. “Apologetics” comes from the Greek word apologia, meaning “defense” or “answer.” Accordingly, Christian apologetics is the practice of giving reasons that support the Christian faith and responding to objections raised against it. Apologetics contributes to the restoration of a view of the Bible as a source of knowledge of its subject matter as opposed to a source of true belief to be accepted by a blind act of the will. Christian apologetics strengthens the church by answering the critics of biblical doctrines and by encouraging the believer’s faith. The Apologetics Study Bible is designed to advance these ends by apologetics rooted in Holy Scripture.

The distinctiveness of The Apologetics Study Bible is its notes and articles appended to the biblical text at relevant points. Notes consist of commentary written by biblical scholars that relate specifically to apologetic issues raised by scriptural texts. Also related to specific biblical texts are over 50 examples of “Twisted Scripture.” These explanations treat those instances where portions of the Bible have been misused by various religious movements such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons. You will find 12 profiles of notable Christian apologists in history. In addition, over 125 articles treat broader apologetic matters such as “How should we handle unresolved questions about the Bible?” and “Evolution: fact or fantasy?” Though the notes and articles are not written for academicians, you can be confident they distill and present the very best of current Christian scholarship.

As 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us, our apologetic must be prayerfully presented, having set Christ apart as Lord in our hearts. Also, we must present our reasons for belief with gentleness and respect. So, to be most fruitful, our defense of the Christian faith must be offered under Christ’s Lordship, in humble dependence upon His Spirit, and in the context of loving and respectful personal relationships.

May it please the Lord, then, to exploit The Apologetics Study Bible in the service of His people’s promotion and confirmation of the truth of His Word.