The Greek word for defense
in Philippians 1:7 is where we get the word apologetics.
Apologetics is not about apologizing for the gospel. No, it is a way of promoting and defending the gospel, of showing others that the gospel is true and believable and wonderful! But Paul did not just care about converting people. He cared also about discipling and strengthening those who came to faith in Christ. And that is what the confirmation of the gospel
is about (Philippians 1:7). Who of us does not doubt at times? Who us of never struggles? Who of us never has to be reminded and confirmed in the truths of the gospel? We all do! We all need to hear the old, old story, of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love. We need to be confirmed in our faith, often and again. This is why we should not neglect meeting together Sunday after Sunday. Each worship service is a divine gift, a miracle of God to confirm us in the gospel of grace.
That Paul both defends and confirms the gospel helps us strike a balance. Some are so missionally minded that they forget that the saints within need to be confirmed and strengthened in their faith. Others are so inwardly focused. They forget about winning their neighbours for Christ in any meaningful way. A healthy church is one that takes seriously the need to be both outward- and inward-focused as a church and as individuals.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.