Effective Use of Human Examples in Scripture for Teaching
Effective Use of Human Examples in Scripture for Teaching
The Bible employs human examples to convey moral and spiritual lessons, a method rooted in the understanding that people learn effectively through relatable illustrations. This approach is evident in both the Old and New Testaments, where biblical writers use narratives, parables, and historical accounts to teach theological concepts and moral principles [2].
Scripture itself highlights the importance of teaching through examples. In 2 Timothy 3:16, it is written that "Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness" [6]. This verse underscores the role of Scripture in instructing believers, with the use of human examples being a key component of this instructional process.
The use of human examples in Scripture serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides a tangible and accessible way to illustrate complex theological concepts. For instance, the biblical account of Christ's meekness, as seen in his teachings and actions (Matthew 11:29; 21:5; 2 Corinthians 10:1; 1 Peter 2:21-23), offers a powerful example for believers to follow [1]. Similarly, the narratives of biblical figures such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who demonstrated diligence in their early rising, serve as examples of spiritual diligence (Genesis 19:27; 26:31; 28:18) [3].
The effectiveness of using human examples in teaching is also noted in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Thessalonians 3:7, teaches by example, working for his own food to avoid being a burden to others. This action is seen as a form of teaching by example, a method highly regarded in the ancient world [7].
Moreover, the biblical text itself encourages the use of examples in teaching. Proverbs 9:9 advises, "Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning" [5]. This proverb highlights the value of teaching and learning through examples, as wise and righteous individuals can gain further insight through instruction.
The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, also emphasizes the importance of using Scripture to teach doctrine. Calvin notes that the Prophet Isaiah complains about the futility of teaching doctrine to those who are unreceptive, highlighting the challenges of effective teaching [9].
In the Presbyterian tradition, commentators like Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown observe that the things written in Scripture "were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4), emphasizing the instructional value of biblical narratives and examples [8]. This perspective underscores the significance of human examples in Scripture as a means of conveying moral and spiritual lessons.
The use of human examples in Scripture is not limited to the actions of prominent figures. The biblical text also highlights the importance of everyday actions and behaviors, such as prayer (Luke 22:32; 23:34; John 17:9-24) and intercessory prayer [4]. These examples provide a broad range of illustrations for teaching various aspects of Christian living.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
- 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”
- 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 ”
- 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 ”
- Proverbs “Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. -- Proverbs 9:9”
- 2 Timothy “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, -- 2 Timothy 3:16”
- 2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:7: 3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).”
- 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”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 2, section 16.13: mistake to connect this statement of the Prophet with that passage in the Apostle Peter, as if Isaiah represented God as desirous to obtain disciples who had divested themselves of all pride, and were like infants lately weaned; for the Prophet, on the contrary, loudly complains, that to “teach doctrine” is useless, and merely provokes ridicule among stupid and senseless persons, who are “children, not in malice, but in understanding,” as Paul speaks. ( 1 Corinthians 14:20 .) From what follows it will more clearly appear that, since they wer”