Bible's Role in Shaping Preacher's Extrabiblical Examples
The Bible presents various individuals as examples for believers, including Christ himself (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15), pastors to their congregations (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3), and the prophets as models of enduring affliction (James 5:10) [1]. These biblical examples serve as foundational patterns for Christian conduct and ministry.
Beyond these direct biblical examples, the Bible also shapes how preachers might use extrabiblical examples by defining the roles and functions of spiritual leadership. The New Testament describes various gifts and offices within the church, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers [2, 4]. While apostles, prophets, and evangelists were special and extraordinary ministers, pastors and teachers are considered ordinary, stated ministers responsible for a particular flock [2]. These roles involve speaking God's word and instructing others in the faith [4]. For instance, prophets are understood as those who speak a word from God [4], and in some contexts, the term "prophet" can simply signify a teacher [3]. Priests in the Old Testament were also expected to possess knowledge of the law and interpret God's will, acting as "messengers of the Lord" [5]. Similarly, New Testament ministers are called "ambassadors of Christ" [5].
The emphasis on teaching and conveying God's word suggests that any extrabiblical examples used by a preacher should align with the principles and truths found in Scripture. Preachers are to speak "as oracles of God," meaning their message should be consistent with divine revelation [6]. While there will be no need for the outward ministry of the word in heaven, and in the New Jerusalem state, the present age requires teaching because believers "know but in part" [7]. Therefore, the Bible establishes the framework for what constitutes sound teaching and appropriate examples, guiding preachers to select illustrations that illuminate biblical truths rather than overshadowing them.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:11: Greek, emphatical. "Himself" by His supreme power. "It is HE that gave," &c. gave some, apostles--Translate, "some to be apostles, and some to be prophets," &c. The men who filled the office, no less than the office itself, were a divine gift [EADIE]. Ministers did not give themselves. Compare with the list here, Co1 12:10, Co1 12:28. As the apostles, prophets, and evangelists were special and extraordinary ministers, so "pastors and teachers" are the ordinary stated ministers of a particular flock, including, probably, the bishops, presbyters, an”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 11:27: Came prophets from Jerusalem - Though the term prophet is used in the New Testament simply to signify a teacher, (see the note on Gen 20:7, where the subject is largely explained), yet here it evidently means also such as are under Divine inspiration, and foretold future events. This was certainly the case with Agabus, Act 11:28, though, perhaps, his ordinary character was that of a teacher or preacher. It seems from various scriptures, Rom 12:4, etc., 1 Corinthians 13:2-14:40, that the prophets of the New Testament were 1. Teachers or preachers in general. 2. Person”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:28: 12:28-31 Paul lists some of the different individual roles given to people in the church (see also the list in 12:8-10; cp. Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11). 12:28 Apostles are specially commissioned emissaries of Christ in the world (see also Eph 4:11). • Prophets speak a word from God (see 12:10 and corresponding study note; Eph 4:11; cp. Acts 13:1-2). • Teachers instruct others in the faith (Rom 12:7; Eph 4:11; cp. Acts 13:1). • those who speak in unknown languages: See study note on 12:10.”
- Malachi (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Malachi 2:7: In doing so (Mal 2:6) he did his duty as a priest, "for," &c. knowledge--of the law, its doctrines, and positive and negative precepts (Lev 10:10-11; Deu 24:8; Jer 18:18; Hag 2:11). the law--that is, its true sense. messenger of . . . Lord--the interpreter of His will; compare as to the prophets, Hag 1:13. So ministers are called "ambassadors of Christ" (Co2 5:20); and the bishops of the seven churches in Revelation, "angels" or messengers (Rev 2:1, Rev 2:8, Rev 2:12, Rev 2:18; Rev 3:1, Rev 3:7, Rev 3:14; compare Gal 4:14).”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 4:11: If any . . . speak--namely, as a prophet, or divinely taught teacher in the Church assembly. as the, &c.--The Greek has no article: "as oracles of God." This may be due to Greek: "God," having no article, it being a principle when a governed noun omits the Greek article that the governing noun should omit it, too. In Act 7:38 also, the Greek article is wanting; thus English Version, "as the oracles of God," namely, the Old Testament, would be "right," and the precept be similar to Rom 12:6, "prophesy according to the analogy of the faith." But the c”
- Jeremiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Jeremiah 31:34: And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother,.... Which is not to be understood of the outward ministry of the word; in heaven indeed there will be no need of it, nor in the New Jerusalem state; but in every period of time before it. In the first times of the Gospel, persons were appointed and qualified by Christ to be pastors and teachers; and in the latter day men shall run to and fro, and increase knowledge; besides, the saints in the present state stand in need of teaching; since they know but in part, and there is room for a ”