Most point to I Peter 3:15 as the basis for apologetics: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Therefore, apologetics is wrapped up in the word “answer.” Obviously, apologetics does not mean to apologize for who we are or what we believe. Also, apologetics does mean to engage in debate or dialogue to win an argument—that is, to show that we are right. Apologetics has to do with giving reasonable answers to honest questions, and the Bible even tells how we are to do it—“with gentleness and respect” (I Peter 3:15). The way we do apologetics is just as important as the content of our apologetics.

(General Editors, Ed Hindson, Ergun Caner, The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics: Surveying the Evidence for the Truth of Christianity, Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2008, 206-207)