The apostle Peter wrote that all Christians need to be ready to give an ‘apology’ (Greek apologia), or defence, of their Christian hope to everyone who asks them, adding importantly, that it should be done with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3.15).
This, therefore, is not an activity just for those who are good at it. We must all be ready to give an answer to everyone. An apology means a defence or answer to justify certain actions or beliefs (e.g. Acts 22.1).
It is commonly misunderstood because it is thought to mean an admission of fault, failure or regret. A statement for the defence in a law court, for instance, is technically an ‘apology’, but certainly not an admission of guilt!
