Balancing Extrabiblical Examples with Biblical Exposition in Preaching
Balancing Extrabiblical Examples with Biblical Exposition in Preaching
Preaching that effectively balances extrabiblical examples with biblical exposition is rooted in the biblical text itself. The New Testament writers frequently employed extrabiblical examples to illustrate spiritual truths. For instance, the apostle Paul used the example of the Israelites in the wilderness to caution the Corinthian church against idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:1-13). Similarly, the writer of Hebrews drew on examples from Jewish history to exhort believers to persevere in their faith [5].
The use of extrabiblical examples in preaching is not limited to historical illustrations. The biblical writers also employed contemporary cultural and philosophical references to communicate theological truths. For example, Paul's sermon on Mars Hill, as recorded in Acts 17, engages with Athenian philosophical and cultural norms to introduce the concept of the unknown God [2].
In the view of Reformed interpreters, the effective use of extrabiblical examples in preaching requires a deep understanding of the biblical text and its historical context. Calvin, in his commentary on Genesis, emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of the biblical text in order to interpret it accurately [4]. This principle can be applied to the use of extrabiblical examples in preaching, where the preacher must carefully consider the relevance and accuracy of the examples used to illustrate biblical truths.
Some traditions interpret the biblical emphasis on the centrality of Scripture in preaching as a caution against over-reliance on extrabiblical examples. The Puritan commentator Matthew Henry, for instance, notes that the writer of Hebrews contrasts the Jewish church with the gospel church, highlighting the superiority of the latter [5]. This contrast is seen as a warning against reverting to outdated forms of worship and doctrine.
The balance between biblical exposition and extrabiblical examples is also reflected in the biblical concept of "wisdom." The book of Proverbs, for example, draws on everyday experiences and observations to convey spiritual wisdom. The New Testament writers similarly employed wisdom literature and philosophical concepts to communicate Christian teachings [1].
In practice, preachers can draw on a wide range of extrabiblical examples to illustrate biblical truths, from historical events to contemporary cultural phenomena. However, as John Gill notes in his commentary on Hebrews, it is essential to avoid being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" and to remain grounded in the Scriptures [6].
The effective balancing of extrabiblical examples with biblical exposition in preaching requires a nuanced understanding of the biblical text, its historical context, and the cultural and philosophical norms of the contemporary audience. By carefully considering these factors, preachers can communicate biblical truths in a way that is both faithful to the text and relevant to their hearers.
The biblical writers' use of extrabiblical examples serves as a model for preachers today. As Adam Clarke notes in his commentary on Romans 12:6, the diversity of gifts and qualifications among believers is a reflection of God's goodness and wisdom. Preachers can draw on this diversity to illustrate the richness and complexity of biblical teachings [3].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- Acts “preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance. -- Acts 28:31”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 12:6: Having then gifts differing, etc. - As the goodness of God, with this view of our mutual subserviency and usefulness, has endowed us with different gifts and qualifications, let each apply himself to the diligent improvement of his particular office and talent, and modestly keep within the bounds of it, not exalting himself or despising others. Whether prophecy - That prophecy, in the New Testament, often means the gift of exhorting, preaching, or of expounding the Scriptures, is evident from many places in the Gospels, Acts, and St. Paul's Epistles, see Co1 11:4, C”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 1.5: more recently been subjected. Still his verbal criticisms are neither few nor unimportant, though he lays comparatively little stress upon them himself. 5 5 The reader is referred, for full information on this subject, to a small volume entitled, “The Merits of Calvin as an Interpreter of the Holy Scriptures,” by Professor Tholuck of Halle. To which are added, “Opinions and Testimonies of Foreign and British Divines and Scholars as to the Importance of the Writings of John Calvin.” With a Preface by the Revelation William Pringle. ”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 12:18: Here the apostle goes on to engage the professing Hebrews to perseverance in their Christian course and conflict, and not to relapse again into Judaism. This he does by showing them how much the state of the gospel church differs from that of the Jewish church, and how much it resembles the state of the church in heaven, and on both accounts demands and deserves our diligence, patience, and perseverance in Christianity. I. He shows how much the gospel church differs from the Jewish church, and how much it excels. And here we have a very particular description of”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”