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Properly Examining Non-Scriptural Examples in Biblical Interpretation

Properly examining non-scriptural examples in biblical interpretation involves understanding the nature and authority of Scripture, as well as the appropriate use of external resources. The Bible itself is considered by many traditions to be "given by inspiration of God" and "given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit" [8]. This divine origin sets it apart as the primary source for Christian faith and practice.

The concept of "non-scriptural examples" can refer to several categories of information that are not part of the canonical biblical text but may be used to aid in its understanding. These include ancient versions or translations of the Bible, historical and cultural contexts, and theological traditions or commentaries.

Ancient Versions and Translations Ancient translations of the Holy Scriptures, though not part of the original inspired text, are considered important aids to interpretation [7]. For instance, the Targums, which are Aramaic paraphrases and translations of the Hebrew Bible, emerged after the return from Babylonian Captivity when many Jews were no longer familiar with ancient Hebrew [7]. These versions can offer insights into how the text was understood in early Jewish communities. Similarly, the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament, is frequently referenced in New Testament writings and can illuminate the linguistic and conceptual background of early Christianity.

When examining different versions, it's important to note textual variations. For example, some manuscripts of 1 Corinthians 10:9 read "the Lord" instead of "Christ," which some scholars suggest might be a scribe's attempt to harmonize with the Old Testament context [13]. Such variations highlight the need for careful textual criticism when consulting ancient versions.

Historical and Cultural Context Understanding the historical and cultural context in which biblical texts were written is crucial for proper interpretation. This includes knowledge of ancient customs, political situations, and social norms. For instance, the practice of public reading of Scripture, transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church, provides context for Paul's instruction to Timothy regarding "reading" [14]. Similarly, understanding the covenantal framework, such as the distinction between the old and new covenants, helps in interpreting passages like Hebrews 8:9, which describes the new covenant as "very different from, and far superior to, the old covenant" [10].

The "Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" provides extensive cross-references that connect biblical passages, which can help in understanding the internal context of the Bible [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. For example, Ecclesiastes 12:7, which speaks of the spirit returning to God, is cross-referenced with Genesis 2:7 and 3:19, linking the creation of humanity with its ultimate return to dust and spirit [1]. These internal biblical connections are foundational for understanding the text before turning to external sources.

Theological Traditions and Commentaries Theological traditions and commentaries represent centuries of engagement with the biblical text. While not Scripture themselves, they offer interpretations and insights that can be valuable. However, it is crucial to approach them with discernment.

One perspective emphasizes that the Scriptures are given by inspiration of God and are sufficient for understanding [8]. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, argues that "no prophecy of the Scripture...is of any private interpretation" [17]. This statement, from 2 Peter 1:20, is not meant to deny the right of private judgment in interpreting Scripture but rather to assert that the prophetic message originates from divine inspiration, not human will [17]. This implies that while human interpretation is necessary, it should align with the Spirit's original intent.

Adam Clarke, a Methodist/Wesleyan commentator, addresses the idea of needing an "authorized interpreter" for Scripture. one tradition argues against the notion that "the Scriptures cannot be understood without an authorized interpreter," particularly in contexts where the Gospel dispensation has been published and the Gospels and apostolic epistles are available. He suggests that "every thing relative to the salvation of the soul may be clearly apprehended by any simple, upright" individual [11]. This view underscores the perspicuity of Scripture for matters of salvation, while still acknowledging that guidance can be helpful for understanding complex passages.

Commentaries often compare "spiritual things with spiritual" [9]. This means expounding Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture by comparing it with the Gospel revealed by the same Spirit, and illustrating Gospel mysteries by comparing them with Old Testament types [9]. This method, articulated by commentators like Grotius and Chrysostom, demonstrates how theological traditions use the Bible to interpret itself, drawing connections between different parts of the canon.

However, it is important to distinguish between the authority of Scripture and the authority of commentaries or traditions. John Gill, in his commentary on John 21:25, notes that if all the things Jesus did were written down, "the world itself could not contain the books that should be written" [12]. This highlights the selective nature of the biblical record and implicitly warns against elevating extra-biblical accounts to the same level of authority as Scripture.

one commentary tradition Jamieson, Fausset & Brown emphasizes the honor Christ gives to the Scriptures, noting that "all have a right and are bound to search" them, contrasting this with the Roman Catholic Church's historical stance [16]. This perspective highlights the Protestant emphasis on sola Scriptura, where Scripture is the ultimate authority, and non-scriptural examples serve as secondary aids.

When examining non-scriptural examples, one must be careful not to be "carried aside" by "divers" or "strange doctrines" that are foreign to the truth taught in Scripture [15]. This caution, found in Hebrews 13:9, applies to any external teaching or tradition that might contradict or undermine the biblical message. The goal of using non-scriptural examples is to enhance understanding of the biblical text, not to replace or supersede its authority.

Sources

  1. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 12:7 cross-references: Genesis 2:7, Genesis 3:19, Genesis 18:27, Numbers 16:22, Numbers 27:16, Job 4:19, Job 7:21, Job 20:11, Job 34:14, Job 34:15, Psalms 31:6, Psalms 90:3, Psalms 146:4, Ecclesiastes 3:20, Isaiah 57:16, Jeremiah 38:16, Daniel 12:2, Zechariah 12:1, Hebrews 12:9, Hebrews 12:23”
  2. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Nehemiah 2:20 cross-references: Exodus 28:29, Leviticus 2:2, Leviticus 24:7, Numbers 10:10, 2 Chronicles 26:5, Ezra 4:3, Nehemiah 1:4, Nehemiah 2:4, Esther 4:11, Psalms 20:5, Psalms 35:27, Psalms 51:18, Psalms 102:13, Psalms 102:17, Psalms 122:6, Ecclesiastes 7:18, Isaiah 56:5, Zechariah 6:14, Acts 8:21, Acts 10:4, Acts 10:31”
  3. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Numbers 12:2 cross-references: Genesis 29:33, Exodus 4:14, Exodus 4:30, Exodus 5:1, Exodus 7:10, Exodus 15:20, Numbers 11:1, Numbers 11:29, Numbers 16:3, 2 Samuel 11:27, 2 Kings 19:4, Psalms 94:7, Proverbs 13:10, Isaiah 37:4, Ezekiel 35:12, Ezekiel 35:13, Micah 6:4, Romans 12:3, Romans 12:10, Philippians 2:3, Philippians 2:14, 1 Peter 5:5”
  4. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Hebrews 12:28 cross-references: Leviticus 10:3, Psalms 2:11, Psalms 19:14, Psalms 89:7, Proverbs 28:24, Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 56:7, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 7:14, Daniel 7:27, Matthew 25:34, Luke 1:33, Luke 17:20, Romans 11:20, Romans 12:1, Ephesians 1:6, Ephesians 5:10, Philippians 4:18, Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 4:16, Hebrews 5:7, Hebrews 10:19, Hebrews 10:22, Hebrews 13:15, 1 Peter 1:4, 1 Peter 1:17, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:20, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:10, Revelation 15:4”
  5. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Hebrews 10:22 cross-references: Exodus 29:4, Leviticus 8:6, Leviticus 14:7, Numbers 8:7, Numbers 19:18, 1 Kings 15:3, 1 Chronicles 12:33, 1 Chronicles 28:9, 1 Chronicles 29:17, Psalms 9:1, Psalms 32:11, Psalms 51:10, Psalms 73:28, Psalms 84:11, Psalms 94:15, Psalms 111:1, Psalms 119:2, Psalms 119:7, Psalms 119:10, Psalms 119:34, Psalms 119:58, Psalms 119:69, Psalms 119:80, Psalms 119:145, Proverbs 23:26, Isaiah 29:13, Isaiah 52:15, Jeremiah 3:10, Jeremiah 24:7, Jeremiah 30:21, Ezekiel 16:9, Ezekiel 36:25, Zechariah 13:1, Matthew 3:11, Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:23, John 3:5, John 8:9, John 13:8, J”
  6. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Nehemiah 12:43 cross-references: Exodus 15:20, Numbers 10:10, Deuteronomy 12:11, 1 Samuel 4:5, 1 Chronicles 29:21, 2 Chronicles 7:5, 2 Chronicles 7:10, 2 Chronicles 20:13, 2 Chronicles 20:27, 2 Chronicles 29:35, Ezra 3:13, Nehemiah 12:27, Job 34:29, Psalms 27:6, Psalms 28:7, Psalms 30:11, Psalms 92:4, Psalms 148:11, Isaiah 61:3, Isaiah 66:10, Jeremiah 31:13, Jeremiah 33:11, Matthew 21:9, Matthew 21:15, John 16:22, Ephesians 5:19, James 5:13”
  7. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Version — A translation of the holy Scriptures. This word is not found in the Bible, nevertheless, as frequent references are made in this work to various ancient as well as modern versions, it is fitting that some brief account should be given of the most important of these. These versions are important helps to the right interpretation of the Word. (See SAMARITAN [653]PENTATEUCH.) 1. The Targums. After the return from the Captivity, the Jews, no longer familiar with the old Hebrew, required that their Scriptures should be translated for them into the Chaldaic or Ar”
  8. 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”
  9. 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:”
  10. 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”
  11. Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 8:31: How can I, except some man should guide me? - This is no proof that "the Scriptures cannot be understood without an authorized interpreter," as some of the papistical writers assert. How could the eunuch know any thing of the Gospel dispensation, to which this scripture referred? That dispensation had not yet been proclaimed to him; he knew nothing about Jesus. But where that dispensation has been published, where the four Gospels and the apostolic epistles are at hand, every thing relative to the salvation of the soul may be clearly apprehended by any simple, upright”
  12. John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 21:25: And there are also many other things which Jesus did,.... Which refer not to his doctrines and discourses, his sermons and prayers, and the conversation he had with his disciples, and others, on different accounts; but to the signs, and wonders, and miraculous operations, which were done by him, that are neither recorded in this, nor in any of the evangelists: the which, if they should be written everyone; with all the particular circumstances relating to them: I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. The Arabic versi”
  13. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 10:9: 10:9 Nor . . . put Christ to the test: See Deut 6:16; Ps 78:18-20; Matt 4:7. • Christ: Some manuscripts read the Lord, which probably represents a scribe’s attempt to harmonize with the Old Testament context.”
  14. 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
  15. 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”
  16. John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 5:39: Search the scriptures, &c.--"In the Scriptures ye find your charter of eternal life; go search them then, and you will find that I am the Great Burden of their testimony; yet ye will not come to Me for that life eternal which you profess to find there, and of which they tell you I am the appointed Dispenser." (Compare Act 17:11-12). How touching and gracious are these last words! Observe here (1) The honor which Christ gives to the Scriptures, as a record which all have a right and are bound to search--the reverse of which the Church of Rome teaches; (2)”
  17. 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 1:20: Knowing this first,.... Especially, and in the first place, this is to be known, observed, and considered; that no prophecy of the Scripture, that is contained in Scripture, be it what it will, is of any private interpretation: not that this is levelled against the right of private judgment of Scripture; or to be understood as if a private believer had not a right of reading, searching, examining, and judging, and interpreting the Scriptures himself, by virtue of the unction which teacheth all things; and who, as a spiritual man, judgeth all things; otherwise, wh”
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