Role of Storytelling in Non-Scriptural Examples in Biblical Interpretation
Storytelling, particularly through parables and historical narratives, plays a significant role in biblical interpretation, serving to illustrate spiritual truths and God's methods of interaction with humanity. The Greek word parabolē, from which "parable" derives, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or similitude [1]. This concept is central to understanding how non-scriptural examples function within the biblical text.
Jesus frequently employed parables to convey profound spiritual lessons. These stories typically draw an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth [2]. For instance, the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) addresses the varied responses to Jesus's message among the Jewish nation [2]. Interpreting such parables requires identifying the central analogy and understanding it within its historical and textual context, rather than seeking speculative allegorical meanings for every detail [2]. Jesus's use of parables was also a strategic choice, as he spoke in parables because "the time was not yet come for the more clear and plain discoveries of the mysteries of the kingdom" [3]. This method allowed him to keep people engaged and expectant, trying "all ways and methods to do good to the souls of men" [3]. The "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" refer not to incomprehensible secrets, but to divinely revealed truths that were often obscurely announced in the Old Testament but fully disclosed in the Gospel [5].
Beyond parables, the Bible itself contains numerous historical narratives that function as illustrative examples. The accounts of God's dealings with Abraham, for instance, are not merely historical facts but serve as enduring illustrations of God's method of justification by faith [7]. Similarly, Psalm 78 recounts Israel's story as a "parable" to impart wisdom and insight, a passage Jesus himself quoted to explain his teaching method [8]. These narratives demonstrate that God's word, even in its historical accounts, is intended to "give light" and understanding, acting as a guide in a "dark place" [9].
The New Testament also highlights the illustrative power of actions and experiences. The liberality of the Gentile churches in ministering to the poor saints in Jerusalem is presented as an "experiment of this ministration" [6]. This act of generosity led the recipients to glorify God, acknowledging Him as the source of grace and goodness, and served as proof of the Gentiles' "professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ" [6]. This demonstrates how concrete actions and their outcomes can serve as powerful, non-scriptural (in the sense of not being direct divine commands but human responses) examples that illustrate theological principles.
It is important to recognize that the biblical record is not exhaustive. The Gospel of John concludes by stating that "there are also many other things which Jesus did," referring to numerous signs, wonders, and miraculous operations not recorded in the Gospels [4]. The author suggests that if every detail were written, "the world itself could not contain the books that should be written" [4]. This implies that the recorded narratives and parables are carefully selected examples, intended to convey specific truths and principles, rather than an exhaustive chronicle. The chosen stories, therefore, serve as potent, non-scriptural examples within the broader scriptural framework, guiding interpretation and understanding of God's character and purposes.
Sources
- 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”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:3: 13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 13:24: In these verses, we have, I. Another reason given why Christ preached by parables, Mat 13:34, Mat 13:35. All these things he spoke in parables, because the time was not yet come for the more clear and plain discoveries of the mysteries of the kingdom. Christ, to keep the people attending and expecting, preached in parables, and without a parable spake he not unto them; namely, at this time and in this sermon. Note, Christ tries all ways and methods to do good to the souls of men, and to make impressions upon them; if men will not be instructed and influenced by ”
- 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”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 13:11: He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven--The word "mysteries" in Scripture is not used in its classical sense--of religious secrets, nor yet of things incomprehensible, or in their own nature difficult to be understood--but in the sense of things of purely divine revelation, and, usually, things darkly announced under the ancient economy, and during all that period darkly understood, but fully published under the Gospel (Co1 2:6-10; Eph 3:3-6, Eph 3:8-9). "The mysteries of the kingdo”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 4:23: Now, &c.--Here is the application of this whole argument about Abraham: These things were not recorded as mere historical facts, but as illustrations for all time of God's method of justification by faith.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 78:2: 78:2 The psalmist recites Israel’s story (78:5-72) in a parable in order to teach wisdom and insight. • Jesus quoted this verse to explain why he taught in parables (Matt 13:35).”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:130: Here is, 1. The great use for which the word of God was intended, to give light, that is, to give understanding, to give us to understand that which will be of use to us in our travels through this world; and it is the outward and ordinary means by which the Spirit of God enlightens the understanding of all that are sanctified. God's testimonies are not only wonderful for the greatness of them, but useful, as a light in a dark place. 2. Its efficacy for this purpose. It admirably answers the end; for, (1.) Even the entrance of God's word gives light. If we begi”