April 9th Question from Professor Peter Polite: Compare Matthew 10:18-20 with 1 Peter 3:14-16. One says you are always supposed to be ready to give an answer, but the other says you can count on the Spirit to give you the right answer at the final moment. How can they both be true? Are you supposed to be prepared, or not?
What is your response to his question?
Matthew 10:18-20 "And you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you."
1 Peter 3:14-16 "But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame."
