Providing Biblical Context for Non-Biblical Examples
The Bible frequently employs non-biblical examples, such as parables, to convey spiritual truths and illustrate complex concepts. A parable, derived from the Greek word parabole, signifies a comparison, similitude, or illustration of one subject by another [2]. These literary devices are not limited to the New Testament; they appear in various forms throughout scripture.
For instance, the New Testament uses parables to describe the kingdom of God, often extending invitations to those considered "outside the city," such as the heathen or those in spiritual wretchedness [6]. This demonstrates how familiar, earthly scenarios are used to explain divine realities. Similarly, the concept of self-denial, exemplified by Christ, is presented through various actions and teachings, such as his resistance to temptation and his willingness to humble himself [4]. These examples serve as a "test of devotedness" and are deemed "necessary in following Christ" [4].
The Old Testament also utilizes illustrative language. The Law, for example, is presented as an accuser, with Moses representing the basis of the Old Testament Scriptures that would condemn those who failed to uphold it [7]. This personification helps to convey the Law's function and authority. Furthermore, the covenant God made with Israel is described as a father taking his child by the hand to guide and support, highlighting the intimate and protective nature of the divine relationship [5].
Biblical texts also draw on common human experiences to express profound theological ideas. The act of rejoicing, for example, is cross-referenced with various instances of celebration, from the dancing of Miriam in Exodus to the joy of the people in Nehemiah, and even the rejoicing of the saints in Revelation [1]. This shows how a universal human emotion is connected to divine acts of deliverance and worship. Similarly, the idea of gaining and losing is explored in Ecclesiastes, with cross-references to instances of material gain and loss in Genesis and other books, illustrating the transient nature of worldly possessions [3].
The Bible's use of such examples underscores its pedagogical approach, making abstract spiritual principles accessible through relatable human experiences and narratives. The sheer volume of Christ's deeds, if fully recorded, would be so vast that "the world itself could not contain the books that should be written," emphasizing the boundless nature of his ministry and impact [8, 9].
Sources
- 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”
- 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”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 3:6 cross-references: Genesis 30:30, Genesis 31:18, Exodus 12:35, Deuteronomy 8:17, 2 Kings 5:26, 2 Kings 7:15, 2 Kings 8:9, Psalms 112:9, Ecclesiastes 11:1, Isaiah 2:20, Jonah 1:5, Matthew 16:25, Matthew 19:29, Mark 8:35, Mark 10:28, Luke 9:24, Acts 27:19, Acts 27:38, Philippians 3:7, Hebrews 10:34”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- 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”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 14:23: highways and hedges--outside the city altogether; historically, the heathen, sunk in the lowest depths of spiritual wretchedness, as being beyond the pale of all that is revealed and saving, "without Christ, strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (Eph 2:12); generally, all such still. Thus, this parable prophetically contemplates the extension of the kingdom of God to the whole world; and spiritually, directs the Gospel invitations to be carried to the lowest strata, and be brought in contact with the outer”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 5:45: Do not think I will accuse you to the Father--"My errand hither is not to collect evidence to condemn you at God's bar." one that accuseth you, even Moses, &c.--"Alas! that will be too well done by another, and him the object of all your religious boastings--Moses," here put for "the Law," the basis of the Old Testament Scriptures.”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 21:25: And there are many other things which Jesus did--(Compare Joh 20:30-31). if . . . written every one, I suppose--an expression used to show that what follows is not to be pressed too far. even the world itself would not hold the books, &c.--not a mere hyperbolical expression, unlike the sublime simplicity of this writer, but intended to let his reader know that, even now that he had done, he felt his materials so far from being exhausted, that he was still running over, and could multiply "Gospels" to almost any extent within the strict limits of wha”
- 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”