Non-Biblical Examples Used Inconsistently with Scripture Authority
The use of non-biblical examples in Christian teaching and interpretation can be inconsistent with the authority of Scripture when such examples contradict or deviate from biblical teachings. In Hebrews 13:9, the author warns against being "carried aside by diverse and strange teachings," indicating a concern for maintaining the integrity of the faith as taught by those who had the "rule" over the believers [2]. This concern is echoed in the critique of the Pharisees' traditions in Mark 7:9-13, where Jesus rebukes them for sidestepping God's law through their traditions.
In various biblical passages, the use of flattery is condemned as it can lead to deviation from the truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists several instances where flattery is used negatively, including by the wicked, hypocrites, and false prophets, referencing passages such as Psalm 5:9 and Ezekiel 12:24 [1]. This highlights the importance of being cautious with external examples or teachings that may be used to justify or promote unbiblical behaviors or doctrines.
The authority of Scripture is a cornerstone in Christian traditions, including Eastern Orthodox, Presbyterian, Baptist/Reformed, and Protestant academic perspectives. In Deuteronomy 32:15, the Israelites are criticized for provoking God with "strange gods," which, according to John Gill, refers to setting up other saviors or messiahs when they rejected Christ [3]. This illustrates the danger of introducing non-biblical concepts or authorities that can lead to a deviation from the core teachings of Christianity.
The New Testament also addresses the issue of relying on non-biblical examples or authorities. In Acts 19:13-16, the Jewish exorcists who used the name of Jesus without a genuine relationship with Him are contrasted with Paul's effectiveness, highlighting the importance of authenticity in Christian ministry and the dangers of using biblical elements in a non-biblical or magical way [4].
The inconsistency in using non-biblical examples can lead to hypocrisy, as seen in the case of Peter and other Jewish Christians in Galatians 2:13, who "dissembled" by living as though the law were necessary for justification, despite knowing their Christian liberty [5]. This incident underscores the need for consistency between professed beliefs and practices, grounded in Scripture.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Flattery — Saints should not used -- Job 32:21,22. Ministers should not use -- 1Th 2:5. The wicked use, to Others. -- Ps 5:9; 12:2. Themselves. -- Ps 36:2. Hypocrites use, to God. -- Ps 78:36. Those in authority. -- Da 11:34. False prophets and teachers use -- Eze 12:24; Ro 16:18. Wisdom, a preservative against -- Pr 4:5. Worldly advantage obtained by -- Da 11:21,22. Seldom gains respect -- Pr 28:23. Avoid those given to -- Pr 20:19. Danger of -- Pr 7:21-23; 20:5. Punishment of -- Job 17:5; Ps 12:3. Exemplified Woman of Tekoah. -- 2Sa 14:17,20. Absalom. -- 2Sa 15:2-6”
- 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”
- Deuteronomy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Deuteronomy 32:15: They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods,.... Or "with others" (h); the word "gods" is not in the text, nor were the Jews guilty of worshipping strange gods or idols in the times of Christ, nor had they been from the time of their coming out of the Babylonish captivity; but the word, as Cocceius observes, is used for "another", as in Job 19:27; and signifies other saviours, other messiahs, whom the Jews set up when they rejected Christ, the rock of salvation; and it is observable, that before the coming of Christ, they never attempted to set up any; but, ”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 19:13: 19:13-16 Paul’s effectiveness is contrasted with the impotence of the traveling Jewish exorcists, who used the name of Jesus as though it were magical but did not have a relationship with him or the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (cp. Matt 12:27; Mark 9:38-39; Luke 9:49-50; 11:19).”
- Galatians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Galatians 2:13: the other--Greek, "the rest." Jews--Jewish Christians. dissembled likewise--Greek, "joined in hypocrisy," namely, in living as though the law were necessary to justification, through fear of man, though they knew from God their Christian liberty of eating with Gentiles, and had availed themselves of it already (Acts 11:2-17). The case was distinct from that in 1Co. 8:1-10:33; Rom. 14:1-23. It was not a question of liberty, and of bearing with others' infirmities, but one affecting the essence of the Gospel, whether the Gentiles are to be virtual”