Evaluating Non-Scriptural Examples with Scripture's Authority
The authority of Scripture is foundational for evaluating non-scriptural examples and teachings. Christians generally understand Scripture to be "given by inspiration of God" and "by inspiration of the Holy Spirit" [1]. This divine origin establishes its unique authority.
The Bible itself is referred to by various names emphasizing its divine nature, such as "the Word," "Word of God," "Word of Christ," and "Holy Scriptures" [1]. Jesus Christ frequently sanctioned the authority of Scripture by appealing to it, as seen in passages like Matthew 4:4 and Mark 12:10, and taught directly from it (Luke 24:27) [1]. This practice by Christ underscores the normative role of Scripture for believers.
The concept of scriptural authority implies that no prophecy or teaching found within Scripture is subject to "private interpretation" in the sense of an individual's subjective understanding overriding its inherent meaning [3]. While believers are encouraged to read and examine Scripture, its interpretation is not left to arbitrary individual judgment [3].
When considering non-scriptural examples or traditions, the standard of evaluation remains the inspired Word of God. For instance, when the Apostle Paul gives counsel on marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:25, he distinguishes between what is an express "commandment of the Lord" and his own "judgment." He clarifies that while he offers his judgment under ordinary inspiration, it is a recommendation rather than a positive command, unlike other matters where the Lord had already made His will known [2]. This distinction highlights that even apostolic teaching, when not directly relaying a divine command, is presented with a nuanced authority relative to direct divine revelation.
The consistent appeal to "what saith the Scripture?" (Romans 4:3) by biblical authors demonstrates the expectation that all claims, whether theological or practical, should align with the written Word [4]. This principle is evident in the Old Testament as well, where the "book of the law" (Nehemiah 8:3) served as the standard for the people of God [1]. Thus, any non-scriptural example or teaching must be measured against the divinely inspired and authoritative text of the Bible.
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”
- 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). ”
- 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”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 4:3: For what saith the Scripture?.... This answers to "what is that which is written" (c)? or what does the Scripture say? which is a way of speaking used by the Jews, when anything is proposed, which seems contrary to Scripture, as here justification by works does. A testimony from Scripture is here produced, proving that Abraham was justified by faith, and not by works: the place referred to is Gen 15:6; Abraham believed God; the object of his faith and trust were not his riches, nor his righteousness, but Jehovah, the Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, styl”