Evaluating Non-Scriptural Examples with Scripture in Mind
The Bible is considered by many traditions to be the inspired Word of God, given through the Holy Spirit [1]. This understanding of Scripture's authority means that it serves as the primary standard for evaluating non-scriptural examples and teachings. The apostle Paul states that "Every Scripture" (or "All scripture") is "given by inspiration of God" and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness [4, 1]. Similarly, Peter notes that "no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation," emphasizing its divine origin [5].
Jesus himself frequently appealed to Scripture, sanctioning its authority by quoting it in his teachings and during temptations [1, 9]. For instance, when tempted in the wilderness, Jesus responded to Satan by saying, "It is written," and then quoted from Deuteronomy [9]. This practice highlights the foundational role of Scripture in discerning truth.
When evaluating non-scriptural examples, such as historical events, cultural practices, or contemporary ethical dilemmas, believers are encouraged to compare them with biblical principles and narratives [7]. The New Testament, recognized as inspired, was read alongside the Old Testament in early Christian churches, indicating an ongoing practice of grounding new insights in established scriptural truth [6]. While apostles like Paul sometimes offered judgments or recommendations that were not direct commandments from the Lord, these were still given under the ordinary inspiration that accompanied their canonical writings [8].
Therefore, the process involves examining whether an example aligns with the character of God revealed in Scripture, the commands given, and the overall narrative of redemption. For example, when considering the concept of peace, one might cross-reference Philippians 4:7 with numerous Old Testament passages that speak of God's peace and steadfastness [2]. Similarly, understanding God's blessings can be informed by Ephesians 1:3 and its many cross-references to divine blessings throughout the Old and New Testaments [3]. This method ensures that external examples are filtered through the lens of divinely inspired revelation.
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”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 4:7 cross-references: Numbers 6:26, Nehemiah 8:10, Job 22:21, Job 34:29, Psalms 29:11, Psalms 85:8, Proverbs 2:11, Proverbs 4:6, Proverbs 6:22, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 26:12, Isaiah 45:7, Isaiah 48:18, Isaiah 48:22, Isaiah 55:11, Isaiah 57:19, Jeremiah 33:6, Luke 1:79, Luke 2:14, John 14:27, John 16:33, Romans 1:7, Romans 5:1, Romans 8:6, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 3:19, Philippians 1:2, Philippians 4:9, Colossians 3:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 1:4, Jude 1:1, Revelation 1:4, Revelation 2:17”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:3 cross-references: Genesis 12:2, Genesis 14:20, Genesis 22:18, 1 Chronicles 4:10, 1 Chronicles 29:20, 2 Chronicles 31:8, Nehemiah 9:5, Psalms 72:17, Psalms 72:19, Psalms 134:3, Isaiah 61:9, Daniel 4:34, Luke 2:28, John 10:29, John 14:20, John 15:2, John 17:21, John 20:17, Romans 12:5, Romans 15:6, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 12:12, 2 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Corinthians 11:31, Galatians 3:9, Ephesians 1:10, Ephesians 1:17, Ephesians 1:20, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 3:10, Ephesians 6:12, Philippians 2:11, Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 9:23, 1 Peter 1:3,”
- 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 ”
- 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 1:20: Knowing this first,.... Especially, and in the first place, this is to be known, observed, and considered; that no prophecy of the Scripture, that is contained in Scripture, be it what it will, is of any private interpretation: not that this is levelled against the right of private judgment of Scripture; or to be understood as if a private believer had not a right of reading, searching, examining, and judging, and interpreting the Scriptures himself, by virtue of the unction which teacheth all things; and who, as a spiritual man, judgeth all things; otherwise, wh”
- 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”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:25: no commandment of the Lord: yet . . . my judgment--I have no express revelation from the Lord commanding it, but I give my judgment (opinion); namely, under the ordinary inspiration which accompanied the apostles in all their canonical writings (compare Co1 7:40; Co1 14:37; Th1 4:15). The Lord inspires me in this case to give you only a recommendation, which you are free to adopt or reject--not a positive command. In the second case (Co1 7:10-11) it was a positive command; for the Lord had already made known His will (Mal 2:14-15; Mat 5:31-32). ”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 4:4: But he answered and said, it is written,.... The passage referred to, and cited, is in Deu 8:3 the manner of citing it is what was common and usual with the Jews; and is often to be met with in the Talmudic writings; who, when they produce any passage of scripture, say "as it is written". The meaning of this scripture is; not that as the body lives by bread, so the soul lives by the word of God, and doctrines of the Gospel; though this is a certain truth: or that man lives by obedience to the commands of God, as was promised to the Israelites in the wilderness, and in”