Apologetics

 

 

An apologist should know Hebrew

An apologist should know Greek,

If you know neither of the two

Then, on what basis can you speak?

 

But what is apologetics?

How is it defined?

It is a defense of Christian doctrines

But then there are different kinds.

 

They are all based on the Bible

So, which one is really right?

This is where apologetics come in:

To decide who has the light?

I guess the one who knows Hebrew

Or, the one who knows Greek,

And if perchance that one knows both,

Then that one has the right to speak.

 

We follow a particular denomination

And for years they are right

But one day along comes another

And we suddenly see the Light.

 

Both were based on the Bible

But one interpreted it more accurately,

That of course was the second one

And that’s what attracted me.

 

But how do I know which is right?

That is based on Hebrew or Greek

And the one who knows either or both,

You must listen when he speaks.

 

The problem with that reasoning

Is that you know neither of the two

So how can you tell for sure

That what you now believe is true?

 

There are theologians a plenty

And many commentators too

That hold different biblical positions

And know both Greek and Hebrew.

 

If they that know are floundering,

What can be said for you and me?

There must be more to apologetics

Than multilingual eyes can see.

 

I am reminded of 1^st Peter 3:15:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:

And be ready always to give an answer

To every man that asketh you a reason

Of the hope that is in you

With meekness and fear.

 

And be ready always to give an answer

For the hope that is in you,

How does one adequately do this

If he knows neither Greek nor Hebrew?

 

Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts;

This is the believer’s remit,

Nothing to do with Greek or Hebrew

But through the Holy Spirit.

I am not knocking Hebrew

And I am not putting down Greek

But I just want to proclaim to all and sundry

That the Holy Spirit still speaks.

 

He speaks through our experiences

But more importantly through the Word

As scripture corroborates scripture

And together they concur.

 

And so, one is thus enlightened

Though this takes effort and time,

The Holy Spirit is the one that enlightens

And he is the only one of his kind.

 

Stewart Russell © June 2020