In the original Greek, the word Peter uses for defense is apologia, from which we get the word apologetics. But he is not talking about giving answers to intellectual questions only. The verse appears toward the end of a letter dealing largely with the theme of unjust suffering. Peter has just admonished Christians not to take their own revenge but to be willing to suffer for the sake of righteousness. Why does he speak of apologetics in this context? It seems that Peter is saying the goal of apologetics is not just to present better arguments but to exhibit a better character, especially when
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