Toward a Biblical Apologetic

Abstract

"The Pauline apologetic is exhibited chiefly in five passages: Romans 1:18ff., 2:14-15; I Corinthians 2:14; Acts 14:15ff.; and Acts 17:22ff. The first three texts present this apologetic in its formal statement; the latter two in its practical outwork- ing. In the present article we shall consider only the first of these passages—Romans 1:18ff. Two primary questions have been before the writer in his exegetical study of this Scripture portion: (1) What is the purpose of general (or natural) revelation in a Christian apologetic? (2) What does the natural man know of God? ROMANS 1 :18ff. Even as the righteousness of God is being revealed toward those who are of faith (v. 17), so likewise the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all sinners (v. 18)"