A Good Defense
"I gladly make my defense." Acts 24:10 (NIV)
Last week's SEC West Championship football game between Alabama and LSU was hyped as a potential "Game of the Century." Alabama's high powered offense led by sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa entered the game averaging over 500 yards of offense per game, while LSU's defense was one of the best in the country. LSU's offense and Alabama's defense were both thought to be the weaker elements for each team. Before the first game snap, the question on everyone's mind was which would prevail: Alabama's offense or LSU's defense? By the end of the game, the final score was Alabama 29 LSU 0 and the overall storyline focused on just how good Alabama's defense really is. Coach Nick Saban's post game comment, "We made a statement" reminded me of Bear Bryant's famous quote: "Offense sells tickets. Defense wins championships." And the answer to whether great offense or great defense were required? "Both!" is the correct answer. In order to win the game, Alabama's offense and defense were necessary to win the SEC West championship.
The Apostle Paul certainly understood the necessity of good offense and defense. In Acts 9-20, Paul is on the move sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with much of the known world. These chapters record Paul as he undertakes three missionary journeys, covering thousands of miles, sharing the good news of the Gospel. Paul is not offensive, but he is definitely on offense with his ministry of 6 E's:
Evangelize anyone, anywhere
Establish churches
Encourage believers
Equip the saints
Exhort the elders
Edify the Body of Christ
Acts 21, however, is a pivotal turning point in Paul's ministry. Paul is arrested and falsely accused by the Jews and imprisoned by the Romans. Over the next eight chapters of Acts, Paul endures five trials and presents five defenses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his own ministry:
Mob in Jerusalem - Acts 22 "Listen to my defense" (Acts 22:1)
Before the Sanhedrin- Acts 23:1 "I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." (Acts 23:6)
Before Felix - Acts 24 - "I gladly make my defense" (Acts 24:10)
Before Festus - Acts 25 "Then Paul made his defense" (Acts 25:8)
Before King Agrippa - Acts 26 "I am going to make my defense today against all the accusation of the Jews" (Acts 26:2)
Acts 28 records Paul's arrival and two year imprisonment in Rome. Paul is still chained, but the Gospel and God's Word are not. Acts ends with these words: "For two whole years Paul stayed there (Rome) in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance, he (Paul) preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 28:30-31) Paul was back on offense for the Gospel sharing the good news of the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus.
Christians can learn a valuable lesson from last week's Alabama/LSU football game. Winning a championship requires both offense AND defense. It's not a question of "either/or," but rather "both/and." The same is true for us as we share the good news of the Gospel. We need to be on offense, actively sharing our faith with others, not being offensive, but being on the move. AND we need to gladly be on defense ready to defend our faith when an opportunity presents itself.
Oh, that all of us would be like the Apostle Paul: prepared to share the Gospel on offense AND ready to defend it on defense. Offense, without being offensive. Defense, without being defensive.
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)