The Debater (συζητητής)
Debating is a formal discussion or argument involving opposing viewpoints, often conducted in public or official settings. The purpose of a debate is to formally present and examine opposing arguments on a particular topic in order to persuade an audience or individual to one’s point of view.
Debating is said to foster critical thinking, encourage logical expression, allow participants to defend or challenge ideas, and promote a deeper understanding of complex subjects through structured discussion. This sounds good and reasonable; however, at the end of the day, a debate is won by the side that most effectively persuades the audience through a combination of strong argumentation, clear reasoning, evidence-based support, and effective rebuttal of the opposing side’s points. Ultimately, this boils down to using the philosophy and traditions of men based on the basic principles of the world system to present a more convincing opinion. Therefore, a debate is not rooted in discovering the truth; rather, it is about who is the most persuasive in their argument.
Debating is a worldly tactic for maturity. A debater gains skill in intellectual or rhetorical argumentation, thereby giving the appearance of maturity. The apostle Paul emphasizes that human wisdom, no matter how eloquent or logical, is rendered foolish in comparison to the wisdom of God revealed through the message of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:20).
Proverbs 27:17 is often incorrectly used to justify debating. Debating is not what the author is addressing. Rather, it is the sharpening of one’s face—the presence, character, and disposition of a friend—thereby enhancing a person’s character, refining his demeanor, and improving his internal disposition through interaction. "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the character of his friend." For Christians, this sharpening is the result of growing together in the Lord, not debating.
Christians who are caught up with this present malignantly evil age will abandon the saints because of their love for debating (2 Timothy 4:10). Demas’ love for the present age was of greater value to him than remaining with Paul. It is God's salvation that is child-training us to deny ungodliness and worldly strong desires, so that we live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age—not debating (Titus 2:12).
Debating makes a person proud, bringing about envy, strife, reviling, and malignantly evil suspicions (1 Timothy 6:3–5).
Debating is not the same as giving a verbal defense for the hope that we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Paul was appointed for the verbal defense of the Gospel (Philippians 1:7). Ἀπολογίαν refers to a verbal defense—a structured justification or answer to charges or questions—often with formal or semi-legal implications. Therefore, the purpose of giving a verbal defense is to provide a formal, reasoned justification in response to accusations, questions, or challenges. It is rooted in, and focused on, the truth, not persuasion.