BEREAN.AI ← Ask a Question

Clarifying the Relationship Between Scripture and Example in Teaching

The relationship between Scripture and example in teaching is multifaceted, with Scripture serving as the authoritative source of divine revelation and examples illustrating its principles and applications. The Bible itself provides numerous instances where both direct instruction and illustrative narratives are employed to convey truth and guide behavior.

Scripture is understood as the inspired word of God, "given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16) and "breathed out by God’s own speech" [7]. This divine origin means that Scripture is not merely human wisdom but carries the authority of God Himself [7]. The New Testament consistently refers to the Old Testament as "Scripture," a definite collection of sacred books regarded as divinely inspired [4]. This includes the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, which were progressively enlarged as God revealed His will [4]. The term "Scripture" (Greek: graphe) is never used for writings in general but specifically for the sacred texts [15]. It is also called the "Word of God" (Luke 11:28; Hebrews 4:12), the "Word of Christ" (Colossians 3:16), and the "Holy Scriptures" (Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15) [2].

The purpose of Scripture is comprehensive, providing wisdom for salvation and equipping believers for every good work [7]. Paul states that "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4), indicating that the historical accounts and teachings within Scripture are intended for instruction and to foster patience and hope [13]. Matthew Henry, a Puritan commentator, emphasizes that divine instruction from Scripture is crucial, especially in difficult times, to understand one's duty and God's statutes [10]. The public reading of Scripture was a practice transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the early Christian church, underscoring its central role in communal instruction and worship [11].

Examples, on the other hand, serve to illuminate and apply the principles found in Scripture. The Bible itself is rich with various forms of examples, including parables, fables, and the lives of biblical figures. A "parable" (Greek: parabole) literally means "placing beside" or "comparison," illustrating one subject by another [1]. Parables are distinct from fables in that they relate what is true to fact and teach higher heavenly and spiritual truths, whereas fables often feature irrational or inanimate beings and convey earthly moralities [6]. Jesus frequently used parables to teach, such as the parable of the sower or the good Samaritan, making abstract truths more accessible and memorable.

Beyond parables, the lives of individuals in Scripture serve as powerful examples. The Bible records both positive and negative examples, demonstrating the consequences of obedience and disobedience, faith and doubt. For instance, the "types and examples of prayer" found in Scripture are presented not as theoretical explanations but as practical models for believers [3]. These examples show how individuals like David, Moses, or Hannah interacted with God in prayer, providing patterns for others to follow or learn from.

The authority of Jesus' teaching contrasted sharply with that of the teachers of religious law, who derived their authority from quoting other scribes or previous scholars [8, 12]. Jesus, however, taught with inherent, direct authority, even when quoting Scripture [12]. This highlights that while examples and interpretations from others can be valuable, the ultimate authority rests with the divine source.

The relationship between Scripture and example can be seen in how the Law functioned as a "schoolmaster" (Greek: pedagogos) for the Jews, preparing them for faith in Christ [5]. The Law, with its commands and historical narratives, served to produce convictions of guilt and helplessness, thereby pointing to the need for a savior [5]. In this sense, the Law provided both direct instruction and numerous examples of God's dealings with humanity, illustrating the consequences of sin and the need for redemption.

Rabbinic tradition also recognizes the interplay between instruction and example. Rashi, a prominent medieval Jewish commentator, interprets Proverbs 28:11 ("A rich man...but a discerning poor man") as speaking about a teacher and a pupil, where the pupil's diligent search for understanding can even lead the teacher to gain wisdom [14]. This suggests a dynamic where the student's engagement with the subject matter, perhaps through practical application or example, can deepen the teacher's own comprehension.

Paul's own ministry exemplifies the balance between direct teaching and living example. He chose not to preach with "enticing words of man's wisdom" but focused on "Christ crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:1-2) [9]. His life and conduct served as an example of humility and reliance on God's power rather than human eloquence. This demonstrates that the manner of teaching, including the teacher's own life as an example, is integral to effectively conveying scriptural truth.

Sources

  1. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
  2. 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”
  3. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Prayer — The object of this article will be to touch briefly on-- + The doctrine of Scripture as to the nature and efficacy of prayer; + Its directions as to time, place and manner of prayer; + Its types and examples of prayer. + Scripture does not give any theoretical explanation of the mystery which attaches to prayer. The difficulty of understanding real efficacy arises chiefly from two sources: from the belief that man lives under general laws, which in all cases must be fulfilled unalterably; and the opposing belief that he is master of his own destiny, and need ”
  4. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Scripture — Invariably in the New Testament denotes that definite collection of sacred books, regarded as given by inspiration of God, which we usually call the Old Testament (2 Tim. 3:15, 16; John 20:9; Gal. 3:22; 2 Pet. 1:20). It was God's purpose thus to perpetuate his revealed will. From time to time he raised up men to commit to writing in an infallible record the revelation he gave. The "Scripture," or collection of sacred writings, was thus enlarged from time to time as God saw necessary. We have now a completed "Scripture," consisting of the Old and New Testa”
  5. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Schoolmaster — The law so designated by Paul (Gal. 3:24, 25). As so used, the word does not mean teacher, but pedagogue (shortened into the modern page), i.e., one who was intrusted with the supervision of a family, taking them to and from the school, being responsible for their safety and manners. Hence the pedagogue was stern and severe in his discipline. Thus the law was a pedagogue to the Jews, with a view to Christ, i.e., to prepare for faith in Christ by producing convictions of guilt and helplessness. The office of the pedagogue ceased when "faith came", i.e.,”
  6. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Fable — A fable is a narrative in which being irrational, and sometimes inanimate, are, for the purpose of moral instruction, feigned to act and speak with human interests and passions.--Encyc. Brit. The fable differs from the parable in that-- + The parable always relates what actually takes place, and is true to fact, which the fable is not; and + The parable teaches the higher heavenly and spiritual truths, but the fable only earthly moralities. Of the fable, as distinguished from the parable [[510]Parable], we have but two examples in the Bible: + That of the tree”
  7. 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:16: 3:16-17 These verses elaborate on 3:15 by explaining Scripture’s effectiveness, its source, and the ways that it gives wisdom to live out our salvation. Paul was speaking of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but his statement can now apply to all Scripture, including the New Testament (see, e.g., 2 Pet 3:15-16). 3:16 The fact that Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed, breathed out by God’s own speech; see also Heb 4:12-13; 2 Pet 1:20-21) does not negate the active involvement of the human authors. But it does affirm that God is fully re”
  8. Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 1:22: 1:22 The teachers of religious law were professional scribes—scholars who taught, copied, and interpreted Jewish law for the people. They were primarily associated with the Pharisees. The scribes’ authority was derived from quoting other scribes (cp. Matt 5:21-48). Jesus’ teaching caused amazement because he spoke and acted with real authority (see Mark 1:27; 5:20; 6:2; 7:37; 10:24-32; 11:18; 15:5).”
  9. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2 (introduction): PAUL'S SUBJECT OF PREACHING, CHRIST CRUCIFIED, NOT IN WORLDLY, BUT IN HEAVENLY, WISDOM AMONG THE PERFECT. (1Co. 2:1-16) And I--"So I" [CONYBEARE] as one of the "foolish, weak, and despised" instruments employed by God (Co1 1:27-28); "glorying in the Lord," not in man's wisdom (Co1 1:31). Compare Co1 1:23, "We." when I came-- (Act 18:1, &c.). Paul might, had he pleased, have used an ornate style, having studied secular learning at Tarsus of Cilicia, which STRABO preferred as a school of learning to Athens or Alexandria; here, doubt”
  10. 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”
  11. 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
  12. Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 7:28: 7:28-29 Jesus began teaching only his disciples (5:1), but crowds had followed up the mountainside as well. • Unlike the teachers of religious law, whose authority was derived from the Scriptures they quoted or from the teachings of previous scholars, Jesus taught with real—that is, direct—authority. He quoted Scripture in the Sermon, but his teaching was based on his own authority as the Messiah.”
  13. Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 15:4: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning--"instruction" through, &c.--"through the comfort and the patience of the Scriptures" might have hope--that is, "Think not that because such portions of Scripture relate immediately to Christ, they are inapplicable to you; for though Christ's sufferings, as a Saviour, were exclusively His own, the motives that prompted them, the spirit in which they were endured, and the general principle involved in His whole work--self-sacrifice for the good of others--furnish our most per”
  14. Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Proverbs 28:11: A rich man...but a discerning poor man Scripture speaks about a teacher and a pupil, that the pupil searches out [the understanding of the subject matter,] and through him, the teacher gains wisdom.”
  15. 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture--Greek, "Every Scripture," that is, Scripture in its every part. However, English Version is sustained, though the Greek article be wanting, by the technical use of the term "Scripture" being so well known as not to need the article (compare Greek, Eph 3:15; Eph 2:21). The Greek is never used of writings in general, but only of the sacred Scriptures. The position of the two Greek adjectives closely united by "and," forbids our taking the one as an epithet, the other as predicated and translated as ALFORD and ELLICOTT. "Every Scripture ”
Ask Your Own Question
About Terms Privacy Contact

© 2026 BEREAN.AI. All rights reserved.