Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about defending our faith?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers should defend the truth of the gospel with humble confidence, sound Scripture, and Christlike gentleness, trusting God rather than human cleverness. First Peter 3:15 calls Christians to be ready to give a reason for their hope, yet to do so with gentleness and respect. We take every thought captive to Christ, as 2 Corinthians 10:5 teaches, and hold firmly to sound doctrine so that we may encourage others and correct error (Titus 1:9). Second Timothy 2:24-25 reminds us not to be quarrelsome, but kind and patient, praying that God grants repentance. Our words should be gracious and wise (Colossians 4:5-6), while faithful study equips us to handle God's Word rightly (2 Timothy 2:15).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Peter 3:15 19 votes

    But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear,

  • 2 Corinthians 10:5 8 votes

    throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

  • 2 Timothy 4:1-22 8 votes

    I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching. For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts, and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables. But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry. For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing. Be diligent to come to me soon, for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him, for he greatly opposed our words. At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear. So I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick. Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

  • Titus 1:9 6 votes

    holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.

  • 2 Timothy 2:24-25 5 votes

    The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle toward all, able to teach, patient, in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,

  • Colossians 4:5-6 4 votes

    Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16 3 votes

    Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,

  • Matthew 5:11-12 3 votes

    “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

  • Philippians 1:16 3 votes

    The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;

  • 2 Timothy 2:15 3 votes

    Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about defending our faith and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about defending our faith