Guiding Principles for Using Non-Scriptural Examples in Biblical Interpretation
Guiding Principles for Using Non-Scriptural Examples in Biblical Interpretation
When interpreting Scripture, Christians often draw on non-scriptural examples to illustrate biblical principles. However, caution is necessary to avoid introducing extraneous ideas that may not align with biblical teachings. The apostle Paul warns against being taken captive "through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ" [2].
The Bible emphasizes the importance of sincerity in one's actions and teachings, serving as a guiding principle for using non-scriptural examples. Sincerity is characterized by a genuine and heartfelt commitment to one's faith, as seen in the examples of Christ and ministers who should be examples to their flock [1]. When drawing on non-scriptural examples, interpreters must ensure that these examples align with the sincerity and integrity that the Bible demands.
One key principle is to compare spiritual things with spiritual, as noted in 1 Corinthians 2:13. This involves interpreting Scripture in light of other Scripture, using biblical examples to understand biblical teachings [6]. Non-scriptural examples should be used to supplement, not supplant, biblical teachings. For instance, when discussing the concept of sin, biblical examples such as David's sin in Psalms 51 or the warnings against sin in Proverbs 30 can be used to illustrate the biblical understanding of sin [3, 4].
The use of non-scriptural examples can also be guided by the principle of not going beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6). This principle cautions against speculative or fanciful interpretations that are not grounded in Scripture. Instead, interpreters should focus on the clear teachings of the Bible and use non-scriptural examples judiciously to support these teachings.
In the history of biblical interpretation, various traditions have approached the use of non-scriptural examples with caution. For example, the early church fathers, such as Augustine, emphasized the importance of interpreting Scripture in a way that is consistent with the rule of faith [5]. Similarly, Reformed interpreters have stressed the need to interpret Scripture in its historical and cultural context, using non-scriptural examples to illuminate, but not to override, the biblical text.
The careful use of non-scriptural examples in biblical interpretation is essential for maintaining the integrity and authority of Scripture. By grounding their interpretations in the clear teachings of the Bible and using non-scriptural examples judiciously, interpreters can provide a nuanced and contextual understanding of biblical principles.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
- Colossians “Colossians 2:8 (NASB) — See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- 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:”