Biblical Context and Historical Background of the Example
The concept of an "example" in biblical contexts refers to individuals, events, or actions that serve as models or warnings for others, illustrating principles of faith, conduct, or divine judgment [2]. This idea is deeply embedded in both the Old and New Testaments, providing historical and theological precedents for believers.
In the Old Testament, numerous figures are presented as examples. Abraham, for instance, is highlighted for his faith, which was "not recorded as mere historical facts, but as illustrations for all time of God's method of justification by faith" [10]. His intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah demonstrates the efficacy of prayer and the rectitude of divine procedure [9]. Other patriarchs like Isaac and Jacob are also cited for their practices, such as early rising [1]. Joshua and Gideon provide examples of executing God's commands and diligence [1]. Samuel and David are also mentioned as exemplars in various contexts [1]. The prophets, too, are held up as examples of patient suffering [2]. Even negative examples serve a purpose, such as the Edomites' perpetual hatred for Israel, which is cross-referenced with passages about divine judgment [5].
The New Testament frequently refers to Old Testament figures and events as examples. The angels who sinned, as described in Genesis 6:1-5, are presented in 2 Peter as an example of judgment for those who deny God [7]. The experiences of the Jews in the wilderness are cited in Hebrews as a warning against unbelief [2].
Jesus Christ himself is presented as the ultimate example in the New Testament. His life and actions serve as a pattern for believers in various aspects:
- Patient Endurance: Christ's suffering, though undeserved, is an example of patient endurance that is acceptable to God [6].
- Self-Denial: Jesus demonstrated self-denial, which is a test of devotion and necessary for following Him [4]. His temptation in the wilderness, where he successfully resisted Satan, serves as an example for believers facing temptation [8].
- Prayer: Christ set an example of intercessory prayer, praying for His disciples and even His persecutors [3].
- Diligence: His practice of early rising is noted as an example [1].
Beyond Christ, New Testament texts also present examples for specific roles and behaviors. Pastors are called to be examples to their flocks [2]. The apostle Paul frequently urged believers to imitate him as he imitated Christ. The concept of "example" thus functions as a crucial pedagogical tool throughout the biblical narrative, guiding believers through both positive and negative illustrations of faith and conduct.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
- 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).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Amos 1:11 cross-references: Genesis 27:40, Genesis 27:41, Numbers 20:14, Numbers 20:20, Deuteronomy 2:4, Deuteronomy 23:7, 2 Chronicles 20:10, 2 Chronicles 20:11, 2 Chronicles 28:17, Psalms 83:3, Psalms 85:5, Psalms 137:7, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Isaiah 21:11, Isaiah 34:1, Isaiah 34:5, Isaiah 57:16, Isaiah 63:1, Jeremiah 49:7, Lamentations 4:21, Ezekiel 25:12, Ezekiel 35:1, Hosea 8:3, Joel 3:19, Obadiah 1:1, Micah 7:18, Malachi 1:2, Malachi 1:4, Ephesians 4:26, Ephesians 5:1”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 2:21: Christ's example a proof that patient endurance under undeserved sufferings is acceptable with God. hereunto--to the patient endurance of unmerited suffering (Pe1 3:9). Christ is an example to servants, even as He was once in "the form of a servant." called--with a heavenly calling, though slaves. for us--His dying for us is the highest exemplification of "doing well" (Pe1 2:20). Ye must patiently suffer, being innocent, as Christ also innocently suffered (not for Himself, but for us). The oldest manuscripts for "us . . . us," read, "you . . . f”
- 2 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Peter 2:4: 2:4-10 Three Old Testament examples of judgment show that God will vindicate those who remain faithful to him and will condemn those who deny him, including the false teachers (see 2:3). 2:4 The first example of judgment is the angels who sinned: The widespread Jewish tradition was that “the sons of God” in Gen 6:1-5 (understood as angels) had intercourse with women and were therefore judged by God at that time (see 1 Enoch 6–10; cp. 1 Pet 3:19-20; Jude 1:6). • in gloomy pits of darkness: This description of the underworld was popular in the ancient world and is p”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 4:1: 4:1-11 Parallels between Adam and Jesus are obvious in this account of Jesus’ temptation. Jesus is the second Adam (see Rom 5:12-19) and the second Israel (Matt 2:15). In contrast to the ancient Israelites, he fulfilled Israel’s history by successfully wandering through the desert without sinning. He proved himself the obedient Son of God by defeating Satan in spiritual combat. And because he underwent temptation himself as a human, Jesus is able to sympathize with the temptations we face (see Heb 2:14-18; 4:15) and help us overcome them as he did (1 Cor 10:13). 4”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 18:23: ABRAHAM'S INTERCESSION. (Gen 18:23-33) Abraham drew near, and said, &c.--The scene described is full of interest and instruction--showing in an unmistakable manner the efficacy of prayer and intercession. (See also Pro 15:8; Jam 5:16). Abraham reasoned justly as to the rectitude of the divine procedure (Rom 3:5-6), and many guilty cities and nations have been spared on account of God's people (Mat 5:13; Mat 24:22).”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 4:23: Now, &c.--Here is the application of this whole argument about Abraham: These things were not recorded as mere historical facts, but as illustrations for all time of God's method of justification by faith.”