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Role of Human Examples in Bible Study Practices

The study of human examples plays a significant role in biblical interpretation and Christian practice, offering models for emulation, warnings against error, and illustrations of faith. The Bible itself presents numerous individuals whose lives serve as instructional narratives, both positive and negative [4, 10].

One primary function of human examples in biblical study is to provide patterns for Christian living. Jesus Christ is consistently presented as the ultimate example for believers [4]. He demonstrated self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8) [2], diligence (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) [3], and intercessory prayer (Luke 22:32; John 17:9-24) [6]. Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Galatians 6:4, emphasizes that "the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [8]. Similarly, John Gill notes that Christ is an example in the exercise of grace, such as meekness, humility, and love, and in the discharge of duty [9]. The apostle Peter explicitly states that Christ left an example for believers to follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21) [4].

Beyond Christ, other biblical figures are held up as examples. Pastors are encouraged to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) [4, 7]. The apostle Paul frequently presented his own life as an example for others to follow, as seen in Philippians 3:17, where he urges believers to "take me as your example, and take note of those who are walking after the example we have given" [7]. This suggests that human examples, particularly those who faithfully follow Christ, can serve as tangible models for others in their spiritual journey.

The Old Testament provides a rich source of examples, both positive and cautionary. Hebrews 11, often called the "faith hall of fame," lists numerous individuals whose faith is commended, such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah [10, 12]. These narratives illustrate the nature and effects of faith, providing concrete instances of how faith operates in various life circumstances [10]. For instance, Abraham's early rising to execute God's commands (Genesis 22:3) and Isaac's diligence (Genesis 26:31) are noted as examples of spiritual diligence [1]. These examples are not merely historical accounts but are intended to instruct and encourage believers in their own walk of faith.

Conversely, the Bible also presents negative examples, serving as warnings. The experiences of the Jews in the wilderness are cited as a warning against disobedience and unbelief (Hebrews 4:11) [4]. These accounts highlight the consequences of failing to trust and obey God, providing cautionary tales to prevent similar errors among later generations. The concept of "parable" in the New Testament, derived from the Greek parabole, signifies a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [5]. While often referring to Christ's teachings, the broader idea of using one narrative to illuminate another's conduct or consequences is central to the use of human examples.

The practice of studying human examples involves careful discernment. While Christ's example is perfect, the examples of other humans are imperfect and must be evaluated against the standard of God's Word. Adam Clarke cautions against comparing oneself with others, stating that "the only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [8]. This perspective emphasizes that while human examples can be instructive, they are not the ultimate standard. Instead, they serve to illustrate principles derived from Christ's teachings and the broader biblical narrative.

The study of human examples also involves understanding the context and purpose of their inclusion in Scripture. For instance, the diligence of individuals like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, and David in various tasks, from executing God's commands to daily duties, is presented as illustrative of spiritual diligence (Romans 13:11-12) [1]. These examples demonstrate that faithfulness extends to all areas of life, not just explicitly religious activities.

The role of human examples extends to specific virtues and practices. Early rising, for instance, is exemplified by Christ (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) and other biblical figures like Abraham (Genesis 19:27), Isaac (Genesis 26:31), and David (1 Samuel 17:20) [1]. This practice is linked to devotion, executing God's commands, and discharging daily duties, and its neglect is associated with poverty [1]. Similarly, self-denial, exemplified by Christ, is presented as a necessary aspect of following Him, engaging in spiritual warfare, and achieving triumph [2]. Ministers, in particular, are called to exercise self-denial (2 Corinthians 6:4-5) [2].

The understanding of human examples also involves recognizing the human element in Christ's own development. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on Luke 2:46 notes that even Christ, in his youth, engaged in the customary rabbinical method of question and answer, and had yet to "increase in wisdom" (Luke 2:52) [11]. This highlights that even the perfect example of Christ involved a process of growth and learning, making his example relatable in its human aspects, while still divine in its essence.

Sources

  1. 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 ”
  2. 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 ”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  4. 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).”
  5. 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”
  6. 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 ”
  7. Philippians “Philippians 3:17 (BBE) — Brothers, take me as your example, and take note of those who are walking after the example we have given.”
  8. Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
  9. John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 13:15: For I have given you an example,.... Christ is an example to his people, in many things; not in his miraculous performances and mediatorial work, but in the exercise of grace, of meekness, humility, love, patience, and the like; and in the discharge of duty, in submission to ordinances, and in attending on them; and in the several duties, both to them that are without, and to them that are within; and also in his sufferings and death; not that he died merely as an example, but likewise in the room and stead of his people; but here he is spoken of, as an example, in a p”
  10. 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”
  11. Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 2:46: hearing . . . asking--The method of question and answer was the customary form of rabbinical teaching; teacher and learner becoming by turns questioner and answerer, as may be seen from their extant works. This would give full scope for all that "astonished them in His understanding and answers." Not that He assumed the office of teaching--"His hour" for that "was not yet come," and His equipment for that was not complete; for He had yet to "increase in wisdom" as well as "stature" (Luk 2:52). In fact, the beauty of Christ's example lies very much in His”
  12. Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 11 (introduction): A definition of faith, Heb 11:1, Heb 11:2. What are its immediate objects, Heb 11:3. What are its effects, instanced in Abel, Heb 11:4. In Enoch, Heb 11:5, Heb 11:6. In Noah, Heb 11:7. In Abraham, Heb 11:8-10. In Sara, Heb 11:11. In their righteous posterity, Heb 11:12-16 In Abraham's offering of his son Isaac, Heb 11:17-19. In Isaac, Heb 11:20. In Jacob, Heb 11:21. In Joseph, Heb 11:22. In Moses, Heb 11:23-28. In the Israelites in the wilderness, Heb 11:29. In the fall of Jericho, Heb 11:30. In Rahab, Heb 11:31. In several of the judges, and in David,”
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