Illustrating Difficult Biblical Principles with Extrabiblical Examples
Illustrating Difficult Biblical Principles with Extrabiblical Examples
The Bible often employs extrabiblical examples to illustrate complex spiritual principles, a technique used by biblical writers to convey deeper meanings and moral lessons. This method is evident in various biblical narratives, parables, and teachings [1].
One of the primary ways the Bible illustrates difficult principles is through the use of parables. A parable is a comparison or similitude that places one subject beside another to highlight their similarities. Jesus frequently used parables to teach spiritual truths, making complex concepts more accessible to his audience [1]. For instance, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) illustrates the principle of loving one's neighbor, using an extrabiblical example to drive home the point [2].
The use of historical figures and events as examples is another method employed in the Bible. The apostle Paul, for example, references the experiences of Old Testament figures like Abraham and Jacob to illustrate spiritual principles. In Hebrews 13:9, the author warns against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines," using the implication that steadfastness in faith is crucial [5, 8]. The biblical writers often drew on the history and culture of their time to make their teachings more relatable and understandable.
The early Church Fathers and Reformers also used extrabiblical examples to illustrate biblical principles. Calvin, in his commentary on Genesis, highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of biblical narratives to grasp their spiritual significance [4, 7]. Similarly, in his commentary on Philippians, Calvin notes the value of examples in teaching Christian doctrine and practice [6].
The principle of using extrabiblical examples to illustrate difficult biblical concepts is not limited to biblical narratives or the teachings of the early Church Fathers. It is a method that has been employed throughout Christian history. For example, the use of natural imagery, such as the growth of seeds or the behavior of animals, can serve as powerful illustrations of spiritual truths [2].
In Hebrews 13:7, the author exhorts believers to "remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." This passage illustrates the importance of following the example of spiritual leaders and considering their faith and conduct [5]. The use of such examples serves to encourage believers in their own faith and practice.
The Bible also uses the concept of "example" in the context of moral and ethical teachings. Christ is presented as the ultimate example of love, compassion, and righteousness [3]. Believers are exhorted to follow his example and to imitate his character. The apostle Peter writes, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Peter 2:21) [3].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion With God — Christ set an example of -- Lu 19:41,42. Exhortation to -- Ro 12:15; 1Pe 3:8. Exercise towards The afflicted. -- Job 6:14; Heb 13:3. The chastened. -- Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1. Enemies. -- Ps 35:13. The poor. -- Pr 19:17. The weak. -- 2Co 11:29; Ga 6:2. Saints. -- 1Co 12:25,26. Inseparable from love to God -- 1Jo 3:17; Joh 4:20. Motives to The compassion of God. -- Mt 13:27,33. The sense of our infirmities. -- Heb 5:2. The wicked made to feel, for saints -- Ps 106:46. Promise to those who show -- Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42. Illustrated -- Lu 10:33; 15:20. Exemp”
- 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).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 1.5: more recently been subjected. Still his verbal criticisms are neither few nor unimportant, though he lays comparatively little stress upon them himself. 5 5 The reader is referred, for full information on this subject, to a small volume entitled, “The Merits of Calvin as an Interpreter of the Holy Scriptures,” by Professor Tholuck of Halle. To which are added, “Opinions and Testimonies of Foreign and British Divines and Scholars as to the Importance of the Writings of John Calvin.” With a Preface by the Revelation William Pringle. ”
- 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”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 1.1: TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE The Commentaries of Calvin on the Epistles of Paul are generally considered to be among the most successful of his Expositions of Scripture. In the writings, indeed, of one whose vast powers have been applied to the exposition of nearly the whole of the Inspired Volume, and whose rare endowments, as an interpreter of Scripture, have drawn forth expressions of the profoundest admiration even from the most inveterate adversaries of the system of doctrine maintained by him, there is room for some d”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 3.9: far I have treated briefly, as the occasion required, of the utility of this History. 29 29 Touchant l’utilite de l’histoire contenue au livre de Genese . — Touching the utility of the history contained in the Book of Genesis. — French Tr. As for the rest, I have labored — how skilfully I know not, but certainly faithfully — that the doctrine of the Law, the obscurity of which has heretofore repelled many, may become familiarly known. There will be readers, I doubt not, who would desire a more ample explication of particular passag”
- 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”