Biblical Principles Underlying Human Examples in Scripture

The use of human examples in Scripture to illustrate biblical principles is a widespread practice, grounded in the biblical text itself. The authors of the New Testament frequently appeal to the lives of biblical figures as examples to follow or avoid ^{[1, 2]}. For instance, the writer of Hebrews 11 enumerates the faith of various Old Testament figures, including Abel, Enoch, and Abraham, as examples for believers ^[10].

The biblical principle underlying this practice is that the lives of believers, particularly those considered exemplary, serve as a reflection of God's character and work. According to Genesis, humanity is created in the image of God, implying that human lives can reflect divine attributes ^[4]. The apostle Paul instructs believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ, establishing a chain of discipleship that relies on human examples ^[6].

The New Testament writers often use the lives of biblical figures to illustrate key theological concepts. For example, Adam Clarke notes that the writer of Hebrews uses the example of Christ's incarnation and suffering to demonstrate the importance of faith and obedience ^[7]. Similarly, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary on 1 Peter 2:21 highlights Christ's example as a proof that patient endurance under undeserved suffering is acceptable to God ^[8].

The lives of biblical figures are used to illustrate various virtues and principles, such as resignation, early rising, and faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook cites numerous examples of biblical figures who demonstrated these virtues, including Christ, Abraham, and David ^{[2, 3]}. These examples serve as a means of instruction, encouraging believers to emulate the characteristics and behaviors demonstrated by these individuals.

The biblical principle underlying the use of human examples is also tied to the concept of discipleship. According to Adam Clarke's commentary on Galatians 6:4, believers are to examine their own conduct by the words and example of Christ, and to find rejoicing in themselves alone, rather than comparing themselves to others ^[9]. This emphasis on personal examination and imitation of Christ underscores the importance of human examples in the biblical narrative.

The use of human examples in Scripture also highlights the significance of community and shared experience in the life of believers. As noted in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, believers are to do everything for the glory of God and avoid giving offense to others ^[6]. This principle is reflected in the way that biblical writers use the lives of others to encourage and instruct their readers.

The biblical text itself provides a model for the use of human examples in theological instruction. The writer of Hebrews 6:1 exhorts believers to "leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity," using the examples of Old Testament figures to illustrate the importance of faith and perseverance ^[5]. This approach to theological instruction emphasizes the value of concrete examples in conveying abstract principles.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
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 ”
Genesis “God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. -- Genesis 1:27”
Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (KJV) — Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 10:31: 10:31-33 Paul concludes his discussion by summarizing the two principles that are to guide Christian behavior in issues like this: (1) Believers are to do everything for the glory of God (see Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:11); (2) believers are not to give offense and should avoid doing anything that would harm another person’s Christian faith (cp. 1 Cor 8:9, 13; 1 Jn 2:10). Christians’ behavior is to be guided by what is best for others rather than by personal privilege (cp. Rom 14:13-15, 19-21; 15:1-2). These two basic principles lie at the heart of Paul’s advice on”
Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 2 (introduction): The use we should make of the preceding doctrine, and the danger of neglecting this great salvation, Heb 2:1-4. The future world is not put in subjection to the angels, but all is under the authority of Christ, Heb 2:5-8. Jesus has tasted death for every man, Heb 2:9. Nor could he accomplish man's redemption without being incarnated and without dying; by which he destroys the devil, and delivers all that believe on him from the fear of death and spiritual bondage, Heb 2:10-15. Christ took not upon him the nature of angels, but the nature of Abraham, tha”
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”
Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 11 (introduction): A definition of faith, Heb 11:1, Heb 11:2. What are its immediate objects, Heb 11:3. What are its effects, instanced in Abel, Heb 11:4. In Enoch, Heb 11:5, Heb 11:6. In Noah, Heb 11:7. In Abraham, Heb 11:8-10. In Sara, Heb 11:11. In their righteous posterity, Heb 11:12-16 In Abraham's offering of his son Isaac, Heb 11:17-19. In Isaac, Heb 11:20. In Jacob, Heb 11:21. In Joseph, Heb 11:22. In Moses, Heb 11:23-28. In the Israelites in the wilderness, Heb 11:29. In the fall of Jericho, Heb 11:30. In Rahab, Heb 11:31. In several of the judges, and in David,”

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