Role of Non-Biblical Examples in Apologetics and Evangelism
The Role of Non-Biblical Examples in Apologetics and Evangelism
The use of non-biblical examples in apologetics and evangelism is a practice rooted in the biblical mandate to engage with the world and communicate the gospel effectively. In Acts 17:16-34, Paul is presented as a model witness for Christ, engaging the thinkers of his day and challenging them with the Christian message by quoting writers they were familiar with [4]. This approach demonstrates that using non-biblical sources can be an effective way to show the relevance of the gospel and dialogue with the audience.
The biblical basis for this approach can be seen in Paul's ministry, where he referenced non-biblical sources to make his message more relatable. For instance, in his commentary on Acts 17:16-34, the Tyndale House notes that Paul quoted writers his audience would be familiar with, critiqued their assumptions, and offered Jesus as a constructive alternative [4]. This method is in line with the biblical instruction to be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15), and using non-biblical examples can be a way to fulfill this mandate.
Calvin, in his commentary on Isaiah, highlights the importance of the outward preaching of doctrine, emphasizing that Christ acts through his ministers, making their mouth "as his mouth" when they faithfully declare his word [2]. This underscores the role of preachers and apologists in using various means, including non-biblical examples, to communicate the gospel.
The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary on Romans 15:20 notes that Paul made it his study to preach the gospel where Christ was not already named, to avoid building on another man's foundation [3]. This approach implies that using non-biblical examples can be a way to reach new audiences and present the gospel in a fresh manner.
In the context of evangelism, using non-biblical examples can help to create a connection with the audience and make the gospel more accessible. As seen in Luke 14:23, the parable of the great banquet, where the servants are instructed to go out into the highways and hedges to compel people to come in, suggests that the gospel invitations should be carried to the lowest strata and be brought into contact with those outside the traditional boundaries [1].
The use of non-biblical examples in apologetics and evangelism is not limited to referencing classical literature or philosophical ideas. It can also involve engaging with the cultural and intellectual context of the audience. By doing so, apologists and evangelists can demonstrate the relevance and power of the gospel to address the needs and concerns of their audience.
Sources
- 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”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 17.13: no other method. When the Prophet says, by the breath of his lips , this must not be limited to the person of Christ; for it refers to the word which is preached by his ministers. Christ acts by them in such a manner that he wishes their mouth to be reckoned as his mouth , and their lips as his lips ; that is, when they speak from his mouth, and faithfully declare his word. ( Luke 10:16 .) The Prophet does not now send us to secret revelations, that Christ may reign in us, but openly recommends the outward preaching of doctrine, and shows th”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 15:20: Yea, &c.--rather, "Yet making it my study (compare Co2 5:9; Th1 4:11, Greek) so to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was [already] named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation: but (might act) as it is written, To whom no tidings of Him came, they shall see," &c.”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 17:16: 17:16-34 In this chapter, we see Paul presented as a model witness for Christ, engaging the thinkers of his day and challenging them with the Christian message. Paul quoted writers his audience would be familiar with and showed the relevance of the gospel by dialoguing with them, critiquing their assumptions, and offering Jesus as a constructive alternative (see Col 1:28). Paul reminded these proud intellectuals that there is a living God to whom all human beings are answerable; that they will be judged by him through Jesus, whom God raised from the dead; and that ”