March 14, 2026 4:00 am
The concept of defense and confirmation in the gospel ministry is rooted in the New Testament, with key terms like apologia and Bibiosis describing a mission attitude that should anchor our approach to ministry, emphasizing firmness and establishment of the truth.
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Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. Defense of the Gospel. Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. Philippians one seven. Riding from prison in Rome some ten years after he helped found the church in Philippi, Paul still felt such a bond with those believers that he insisted they partake with him in his defense and confirmation of the gospel ministry.
The key words here are defense, apologia, and confirmation. Bibiosis. Both words are not common in the New Testament text. Together, they describe a mission attitude that should anchor our approach to ministry. Apologia, in its various forms, is most often translated answer.
Peter used this term in a passage that urged Christians to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. Paul used apologia twice in his letter to the Philippian church. Both times stressed the defense of the gospel. Bibiosis and its associated terms convey the meaning of firmness or having been established. Paul encouraged the Colossian church to be rooted and built up in and established in the faith.
Peter tells us to make our calling and election sure. Thus our witness and declaration of the power of God unto salvation must be with logic, to defend the precious truth, and with an eye to establish that truth in the mind and heart of those newly converted. The Gospel tells who Christ is, the Creator, the Incarnate Word, and coming King, as well as what He did on Calvary. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us.
To support ICR's ministry, visit icr.org/slash donate. Your gift of any amount helps us to reach others with biblical truth and encouragement. Thanks for listening. We hope you'll start each. Day with days of praise.
