Biblical Illustrations Using Art in Evangelical Preaching
While the Bible does not directly address the use of art in evangelical preaching, it offers insights into the historical use of imagery and the broader principles of communication and worship that can inform this discussion. The Old Testament describes various forms of visual art, such as carvings and engravings, used in the construction and ornamentation of the tabernacle and temple [3]. For instance, the "pictures of silver" mentioned in Proverbs 25:11 likely refer to well surfaces or cornices with carvings, rather than modern moveable pictures [1]. Ezekiel 23:14 also mentions "pictures" in the context of idolatrous representations, specifically stones "portrayed," meaning sculptured in low relief or engraved and colored [1].
The Bible consistently condemns idolatry, which includes bowing down to, worshipping, or sacrificing to images, and even worshipping God through an image [4]. The term "teraphim" refers to images or idols [5]. This strong prohibition against idolatry has historically led some traditions to be cautious about the use of visual aids in worship and teaching, fearing that such aids could become objects of veneration or distract from the spiritual nature of God.
However, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating the Gospel. Paul, for example, states that he "fully preached the Good News of Christ" from Jerusalem to Illyricum, implying a comprehensive and impactful delivery of his message [2]. Jesus himself used "surprising, evocative imagery" in his parables, such as the mustard seed and leaven, to emphasize concepts like the growth of the Kingdom and to encourage patience among his disciples [6]. This suggests that engaging and memorable illustrations are a valid means of conveying spiritual truths.
In a broader sense, the Bible highlights the value of "good works" and the "graces of the Spirit" as adornments for believers [7, 9]. These spiritual qualities are seen as ornamental and of "great price" in God's sight [7]. While these are not visual arts in the traditional sense, they illustrate the concept of making spiritual realities tangible and appealing. The principle of glorifying God through actions, such as the liberality of the Gentile churches, also suggests that visible expressions can serve a divine purpose [8]. Therefore, while direct biblical endorsement of art in preaching is absent, the emphasis on clear communication, the use of evocative imagery by Jesus, and the caution against idolatry provide a framework for considering the role of visual illustrations.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Picture — In two of the three passages in which "picture" is used in the Authorized Version it denotes idolatrous representations, either independent images or more usually stones "portrayed," i.e. sculptured in low relief, or engraved and colored. (Ezekiel 23:14) Layard, Nin. and Rob. ii. 306, 308. Moveable pictures, in the modern sense, were doubtless unknown to the Jews. The "pictures of silver" of (Proverbs 25:11) were probably well surfaces or cornices with carvings.”
- Romans “in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ; -- Romans 15:19”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Carving — The arts of carving and engraving were much in request in the construction of both the tabernacle and the temple. (Exodus 31:5; 35:33; 1 Kings 6:18,35; Psalms 74:6) as well as in the ornamentation of the priestly dresses. (Exodus 28:9-36; 2 Chronicles 2:7,14; Zechariah 3:9)”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Idolatry — Forbidden -- Ex 20:2,3; De 5:7. Consists in Bowing down to images. -- Ex 20:5; De 5:9. Worshipping images. -- Isa 44:17; Da 3:5,10,15. Sacrificing to images. -- Ps 106:38; Ac 7:41. Worshipping other gods. -- De 30:17; Ps 81:9. Swearing by other gods. -- Ex 23:13; Jos 23:7. Walking after other gods. -- De 8:19. Speaking in the name of other gods. -- De 18:20. Looking to other gods. -- Ho 3:1. Serving other gods. -- De 7:4; Jer 5:19. Fearing other gods. -- 2Ki 17:35. Sacrificing to other gods. -- Ex 22:20. Worshipping the true God by an image, & c. -- Ex 32:”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Teraphim — images; idols”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:31: 13:31-33 Jesus used surprising, evocative imagery in these parables, either to emphasize the inevitable growth of the Kingdom through proclamation of the gospel or, more probably, to emphasize the contrast between insignificant beginnings and glorious consummation, and to exhort the disciples to patience (see also 16:24–17:13).”
- Ezekiel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ezekiel 16:10: And I decked thee also with ornaments,.... The Targum interprets this of the ornament of the words of the law; see Pro 1:8; but may be as well understood of good works done in obedience to them, from a right principle, and to right ends; which adorn professors of religion, their profession, and the doctrines of Christ, which they profess, Ti1 2:9; or rather the graces of the Spirit, which are all of them very ornamental to the saints, as faith, hope, love, humility, &c. and are in the sight of God of great price, Pe1 3:3; and I put bracelets upon thine hands; whic”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 13:1: The design of Christ in giving himself for us is that he may purchase to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Now the apostle calls the believing Hebrews to the performance of many excellent duties, in which it becomes Christians to excel. I. To brotherly love (Heb 13:1), by which he does not only mean a general affection to all men, as our brethren by nature, all made of the same blood, nor that more limited affection which is due to those who are of the same immediate parents, but that special and spiritual affection which ought to exist among the ”