Examples of Non-Biblical Concepts Applied Consistently with Biblical Teachings

The concept of applying non-biblical ideas in a manner consistent with biblical teachings is a nuanced one, as it involves integrating external concepts while remaining faithful to scripture. One example is the idea of "yoking" or partnering with unbelievers, which is addressed through the lens of the Old Testament law prohibiting the yoking of animals of different kinds (Leviticus 19:19; Deuteronomy 22:10). The New Testament applies this principle to spiritual relationships, warning against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14) ^[7].

This application demonstrates how a non-biblical concept (the specific prohibition on mixed yoking in the law) is used to illustrate a broader biblical principle (separation from unbelievers). The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary on 2 Corinthians 6:14 explains that the believer and unbeliever are "utterly heterogeneous," highlighting the spiritual incompatibility between the two ^[7].

Another example is the concept of "doctrines" and the warning against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9). The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary on this verse notes that "divers" doctrines refer to teachings that differ from the uniform faith in Jesus Christ taught by those in authority (Hebrews 13:7). John Gill's commentary on the same verse further explains that the "divers and strange doctrines" refer to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, traditions of the elders, or doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles, which are contrary to the uniform doctrine of the Scriptures, Christ, and his apostles ^{[1, 4]}.

The application of non-biblical philosophical concepts to biblical teachings is also seen in the interpretation of scripture. For instance, the commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:13 by Jamieson-Fausset-Brown suggests that the phrase "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" involves expounding Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture by comparing it with the Gospel revealed by the same Spirit ^[3]. This demonstrates how external hermeneutical principles (comparing scripture with scripture) are applied to understand biblical teachings.

The biblical account of Enoch's translation (Genesis 5:24) provides another example. The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary on this verse notes that Enoch's walking with God denotes constant and familiar intercourse, and his translation to heaven was a mighty miracle designed to prove the truth of his teachings (Jude 1:14-15) ^[5]. This narrative illustrates how a non-biblical concept (the idea of a righteous individual being taken by God) is presented in a way that is consistent with biblical teachings on faith and righteousness.

The critique of external worship practices also reflects the application of non-biblical concepts. Isaiah 29:13 is quoted by Jesus, criticizing worship that is based on human precepts rather than heartfelt devotion (John 4:24). The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary on Isaiah 29:13 explains that this refers to worship that is external and by rule, rather than heartfelt as God requires ^[6].

These examples illustrate how non-biblical concepts can be applied in a manner consistent with biblical teachings, often through the interpretation and application of scripture by commentators and theologians ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]}. The key is to ensure that such applications remain faithful to the underlying biblical principles and teachings.

The historical and theological context of these interpretations highlights the ongoing dialogue between biblical teachings and external concepts. As seen in the commentaries on Hebrews and other passages, the early Christian community grappled with the relationship between their faith and external influences, such as Jewish law and Gentile philosophies ^{[1, 2, 4]}. The consistent application of biblical principles to these external concepts has shaped Christian theology and practice.

The relationship between faith and external concepts continues to be a subject of theological reflection. As the commentaries demonstrate, the integration of non-biblical ideas with biblical teachings requires careful consideration of the underlying principles and the context in which they are applied ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]}. By examining these examples and the historical context in which they were developed, we gain insight into the complex and nuanced process of applying biblical teachings in a changing world.

Sources

Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:9: about--rather, as oldest manuscripts read, "carried aside"; namely, compare Eph 4:14. divers--differing from the one faith in the one and the same Jesus Christ, as taught by them who had the rule over you (Heb 13:7). strange--foreign to the truth. doctrines--"teachings." established with grace; not with meats--not with observances of Jewish distinctions between clean and unclean meats, to which ascetic Judaizers added in Christian times the rejection of some meats, and the use of others: noticed also by Paul in Co1 8:8, Co1 8:13; Co1 6:13; Rom”
Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 8:9: Not according to, &c.--very different from, and far superior to, the old covenant, which only "worked wrath" (Rom 4:15) through man's "not regarding" it. The new covenant enables us to obey by the Spirit's inward impulse producing love because of the forgiveness of our sins. made with--rather as Greek, "made to": the Israelites being only recipients, not coagents [ALFORD] with God. I took them by the hand--as a father takes his child by the hand to support and guide his steps. "There are three periods: (1) that of the promise; (2) that of the pedag”
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:”
Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 5:24: And Enoch walked with God--a common phrase in Eastern countries denoting constant and familiar intercourse. was not; for God took him--In Heb 11:5, we are informed that he was translated to heaven--a mighty miracle, designed to effect what ordinary means of instruction had failed to accomplish, gave a palpable proof to an age of almost universal unbelief that the doctrines which he had taught (Jde 1:14-15) were true and that his devotedness to the cause of God and righteousness in the midst of opposition was highly pleasing to the mind of God.”
Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 29:13: precept of men--instead of the precepts of God, given by His prophets; also worship external, and by rule, not heartfelt as God requires (Joh 4:24). Compare Christ's quotation of this verse from the Septuagint.”
2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 6:14: Be not--Greek, "Become not." unequally yoked--"yoked with one alien in spirit." The image is from the symbolical precept of the law (Lev 19:19), "Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind"; or the precept (Deu 22:10), "Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together." Compare Deu 7:3, forbidding marriages with the heathen; also Co1 7:39. The believer and unbeliever are utterly heterogeneous. Too close intercourse with unbelievers in other relations also is included (Co2 6:16; Co1 8:10; Co1 10:14). fellowship--literally, "”
Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:13: therefore--This "therefore" breathes the deliberate fortitude of believers [BENGEL]. without the camp--"outside the legal polity" [THEODORET] of Judaism (compare Heb 13:11) "Faith considers Jerusalem itself as a camp, not a city" [BENGEL]. He contrasts with the Jews, who serve an earthly sanctuary, the Christians to whom the altar in heaven stands open, while it is closed against the Jews. As Jesus suffered without the gate, so spiritually must those who desire to belong to Him, withdraw from the earthly Jerusalem and its sanctuary, as from this wo”

Ask Your Own Question