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Human Examples and Teaching in the Church and Scripture

The Bible frequently uses human examples to illustrate theological principles and guide behavior, with Christ serving as the ultimate model for believers [1]. These examples appear in various forms, from direct commands to emulate specific individuals to broader teachings about communal life.

Jesus Christ is presented as the primary example in numerous aspects of Christian life. He exemplified meekness (Psalm 45:4; Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 11:29; 2 Corinthians 10:1; 1 Peter 2:21-23) [2], intercessory prayer (Luke 22:32; 23:34; John 17:9-24) [3], and obedience to parents (Luke 2:51; John 19:26-27) [4]. His practice of early rising for devotion is also highlighted (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) [5]. Beyond his personal conduct, Christ sanctioned the Scriptures by appealing to them and taught directly from them (Matthew 4:4; Mark 12:10; John 7:42; Luke 24:27) [6]. The apostle Peter explicitly states that Christ suffered, "leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21) [1].

Beyond Christ, other human figures in Scripture serve as examples, both positive and negative. Pastors are called to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) [1]. The experiences of the Jews are presented as a warning (Hebrews 4:11), and the prophets are cited as examples of patience in suffering affliction (James 5:10) [1]. Old Testament figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, and David are noted for their early rising in the discharge of duties or devotion [5]. The book of Hebrews, particularly chapter 11, provides a detailed account of numerous Old Testament figures whose faith is highlighted as exemplary [16].

The concept of the church as the "body of Christ" emphasizes the interconnectedness and mutual responsibility of believers, where each member serves as an example and support to others [9, 10, 11]. This metaphor, found in passages like 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, illustrates that the church is composed of many different parts, each with its own function determined by God [9]. Despite their diversity, these members form one unified body [11, 15]. This unity means that harmony and care for one another are essential within the church [14]. The idea of "one body" in Christ transcends differences such as ethnicity or social status, as "there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28) [13]. This unity results in peace and harmonious relationships [12].

The Bible also provides instruction on how individuals should live and interact within the community. Children are taught to obey God, fear Him, remember Him, attend to parental teaching, and honor their parents (Deuteronomy 30:2; Proverbs 24:21; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Proverbs 1:8-9; Exodus 20:12) [4]. They are also encouraged to be brought to Christ and instructed in God's ways (Mark 10:13-16; Deuteronomy 31:12-13) [4]. The importance of good character is also emphasized, with a good name being preferable to precious ointment (Ecclesiastes 7:1) [8].

While human examples are crucial, the Scriptures also warn against following one's own desires without regard for divine judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9, for instance, advises young people to "follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes," but immediately cautions that "God will bring you into judgment for all these things" [7]. This highlights a tension between human autonomy and divine accountability, underscoring that human examples and teachings must always be evaluated against the ultimate standard of God's word. Matthew Henry notes that Christ's discourse with the Pharisees often addressed human traditions that superseded divine commands [17]. The Scriptures themselves are considered "given by inspiration of God" and are the "word of God" [6].

Sources

  1. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
  2. 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”
  3. 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 ”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Children — Christ was an example to -- Lu 2:51; Joh 19:26,27. Are a gift from God -- Ge 33:5; Ps 127:3. Are capable of glorifying God -- Ps 8:2; 148:12,13; Mt 21:15,16. Should be Brought to Christ. -- Mr 10:13-16. Brought early to the house of God. -- 1Sa 1:24. Instructed in the ways of God. -- De 31:12,13; Pr 22:6. Judiciously trained. -- Pr 22:15; 29:17; Eph 6:4. Should Obey God. -- De 30:2. Fear God. -- Pr 24:21. Remember God. -- Ec 12:1. Attend to parental teaching. -- Pr 1:8,9. Honour parents. -- Ex 20:12; Heb 12:9. Fear parents. -- Le 19:3. Obey parents. -- Pr ”
  5. 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 ”
  6. 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”
  7. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 11:9 cross-references: Genesis 3:6, Genesis 6:2, Numbers 15:30, Numbers 15:39, Numbers 22:32, Deuteronomy 29:19, Joshua 7:21, 2 Samuel 11:2, 1 Kings 18:12, 1 Kings 18:27, 1 Kings 22:15, Job 31:7, Psalms 50:4, Psalms 81:12, Ecclesiastes 2:10, Ecclesiastes 3:12, Ecclesiastes 3:17, Ecclesiastes 7:14, Ecclesiastes 12:1, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Jeremiah 7:24, Jeremiah 23:17, Jeremiah 44:16, Lamentations 3:27, Matthew 5:28, Luke 15:12, Acts 14:16, Acts 17:30, Acts 24:25, Romans 2:5, Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Ephesians 2:2, Hebrews 9:27, 1 Peter 4:3, 2 Peter 3:7, 1”
  8. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 7:1 cross-references: Ruth 3:14, Job 3:17, Psalms 133:2, Proverbs 15:30, Proverbs 22:1, Proverbs 25:10, Proverbs 27:9, Ecclesiastes 4:2, Ecclesiastes 10:1, Isaiah 56:5, Isaiah 57:1, Luke 10:20, John 13:2, 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:21, Hebrews 11:2, Hebrews 11:39, Revelation 14:13”
  9. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
  10. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:27: members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.”
  11. 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
  12. Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
  13. Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 3:28: 3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.”
  14. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:25: 12:25-26 The church is a unified body, so harmony and care for each other in the church is essential.”
  15. 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 12:14: For the body is not one member - The mystical body, the Church, as well as the natural body, is composed of many members.”
  16. Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 11:4: The apostle, having given us a more general account of the grace of faith, now proceeds to set before us some illustrious examples of it in the Old Testament times, and these may be divided into two classes: - 1. Those whose names are mentioned, and the particular exercise and actings of whose faith are specified. 2. Those whose names are barely mentioned, and an account given in general of the exploits of their faith, which it is left to the reader to accommodate, and apply to the particular persons from what he gathers up in the sacred story. We have here those”
  17. Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 15 (introduction): In this chapter, we have our Lord Jesus, as the great Prophet teaching, as the great Physician healing, and as the great Shepherd of the sheep feeding; as the Father of spirits instructing them; as the Conqueror of Satan dispossessing him; and as concerned for the bodies of his people, providing for them. Here is, I. Christ's discourse with the scribes and Pharisees about human traditions and injunctions (Mat 15:1-9). II. His discourse with the multitude, and with his disciples, concerning the things that defile a man (Mat 15:10-20). III. His casting”
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