By the signs that followed

So there is both the defense as well as the confirmation of the gospel.

Defense is something we prepare for. For example, Peter exhorts his readers to "always be prepared to give ... the reason for the hope that you have." This takes some work. At any moment, are we prepared to give the reason for our hope?

But then there is the confirmation portion of this formula. I've been tracking this word in the Greek: βεβαιόω. For example, here is how the Gospel of Mark concludes:

They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.

Confirmation by the signs that followed. Now here is something ...

The disciples were busy, going everywhere to preach the gospel. They were prepared for its defense; they had all the reasons.

But it was the Lord with them who confirmed what they did -- and this by the signs that followed. These signs no amount of preparation can produce.

Indeed, the very nature of confirmation is that somebody else has to do the confirming.

This is what we should live for: the confirmation of our confession by the signs that follow.

Logos2Go

Philippians 1.7 ... both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.

Mark 16.20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.