Biblical Use of Non-Biblical Examples in Teaching Obedience

The biblical authors often employed non-biblical examples to illustrate moral and spiritual principles, including obedience to God. One such example is found in the book of Hebrews, where the Israelites' disobedience in the wilderness is cited as a warning to the readers ^[4]. The author of Hebrews uses this historical example to exhort his audience to diligence in their faith.

In the New Testament, Jesus himself uses non-biblical examples to teach obedience. In Matthew 5:33-37, Jesus discusses the practice of oath-taking, referencing the Jewish tradition of making vows ^[8]. He uses this example to emphasize the importance of truthfulness and integrity in one's words and actions. Similarly, in Titus 2:10, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to "show good faith" and "adorn the doctrine of our Savior God" by their behavior, demonstrating that their actions should be a positive example to others ^[9].

The biblical authors also drew on non-biblical sources to illustrate the importance of obedience. For instance, the book of 1 Peter cites the example of Christ's suffering as a model for believers to follow, demonstrating patient endurance under undeserved suffering ^[6]. This example is not unique to Christian tradition; the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus notes that the Jewish law taught obedience through both instruction and practical exercises ^[3].

The use of non-biblical examples in teaching obedience is rooted in the biblical emphasis on the importance of living a virtuous life. In Psalm 119:124, David petitions God for instruction in his statutes, demonstrating a desire to understand and follow God's will ^[10]. The biblical authors consistently emphasize that true obedience is not merely external compliance, but rather a heartfelt commitment to following God's commands.

The Reformed tradition has long emphasized the importance of obedience in the Christian life. Calvin, in his commentary on Isaiah, notes that a person's actions towards others are a key indicator of their godliness, highlighting the importance of living a life characterized by kindness, justice, and truthfulness ^[7]. Similarly, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary on Jeremiah 29:7 notes that true religion teaches patient submission, even in the face of adversity, and that believers should pray for their rulers and masters, demonstrating a commitment to living at peace with all people ^[5].

The biblical use of non-biblical examples in teaching obedience highlights the importance of contextualizing moral and spiritual principles in everyday life. By drawing on a range of sources, including historical events, cultural practices, and personal experiences, the biblical authors demonstrate that obedience is not limited to a specific context or community, but is rather a universal principle that applies to all people.

The early Christian church also recognized the importance of living a virtuous life, with leaders serving as examples to their flocks ^[2]. The apostle Paul's exhortation to Titus to be an example to believers in his behavior and teaching reflects this emphasis ^[1]. By living a life characterized by obedience to God, believers demonstrate their commitment to following Christ and serve as a positive example to others.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
I Peter “I Peter 5:3 (Webster) — Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Against Apion, BOOK II, section 27: of the community with one another; for all our actions and studies, and all our words, [in Moses's settlement,] have a reference to piety towards God; for he hath left none of these in suspense, or undetermined. For there are two ways of coming at any sort of learning and a moral conduct of life; the one is by instruction in words, the other by practical exercises. Now other lawgivers have separated these two ways in their opinions, and choosing one of those ways of instruction, or that which best pleased every one of them, neglected the ot”
Hebrews “Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. -- Hebrews 4:11”
Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 29:7: (Ezr 6:10; Rom 13:1; Ti1 2:2). Not only bear the Babylonian yoke patiently, but pray for your masters, that is, while the captivity lasts. God's good time was to come when they were to pray for Babylon's downfall (Jer 51:35; Psa 137:8). They were not to forestall that time. True religion teaches patient submission, not sedition, even though the prince be an unbeliever. In all states of life let us not throw away the comfort we may have, because we have not all we would have. There is here a foretaste of gospel love towards enemies (Mat 5:44).”
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”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 7.37: not they fear God. We might, indeed, be deceived, were it from the second table only that we formed our judgment about the godliness of a man; but if any one discharge the duties of the first table, which are evidences of godliness and of the worship of God, he must then be brought to this standard, Does he act inoffensively towards other men? Does he abstain from every act of injustice? Does he speak truth? Does he live in the exercise of kindness to his brethren? This is the reason why Christ pronounces mercy, judgment, and faith, to be the”
Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 5:33: 5:33-37 Jesus here summarizes the Old Testament teaching on oaths (Lev 19:12; Num 30:2-4; Deut 23:21-23; Ps 50:14; Zech 8:17). The Pharisees had degrees of commitment for oaths—for example, ones that did not mention God were not as binding. Jesus shows that because God is related to all things (heaven, earth, Jerusalem, my head; see also Matt 23:16-22), breaking any oath breaks God’s command (see Exod 20:7). The point is that one must be altogether truthful. Jesus’ righteousness elevates the disciple’s everyday yes and no to the level of binding oath. Oaths becom”
Titus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Titus 2:10: Not purloining--Greek, "Not appropriating" what does not belong to one. It means "keeping back" dishonestly or deceitfully (Act 5:2-3). showing--manifesting in acts. all--all possible. good--really good; not so in mere appearance (Eph 6:5-6; Col 3:22-24). "The heathen do not judge of the Christian's doctrines from the doctrine, but from his actions and life" [CHRYSOSTOM]. Men will write, fight, and even die for their religion; but how few live for it! Translate, "That they may adorn the doctrine of our Saviour God," that is, God the Father, the or”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:124: Here is, 1. David's petition for divine instruction: "Teach me thy statutes; give me to know all my duty; when I am in doubt, and know not for certain what is my duty, direct me, and make it plain to me; now that I am afflicted, oppressed, and my eyes are ready to fail for thy salvation, let me know what my duty is in this condition." In difficult times we should desire more to be told what we must do than what we may expect, and should pray more to be led into the knowledge of scripture-precepts than of scripture-prophecies. If God, who gave us his statutes, d”

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