The Doctrine of Examples in Biblical Hermeneutics and Interpretation
The Doctrine of Examples in Biblical Hermeneutics and Interpretation
The doctrine of examples in biblical hermeneutics refers to the use of exemplary figures, events, or teachings in Scripture to guide Christian behavior and understanding. This concept is rooted in various biblical passages that encourage believers to follow the examples set by Christ and other faithful individuals [1, 3].
In the New Testament, Christ is presented as the ultimate example for Christians to follow. His life, teachings, and actions serve as a model for Christian behavior, with the apostle Peter exhorting believers to follow in Christ's steps (1 Pet. 2:21) [1]. Other biblical figures, such as the prophets and apostles, are also cited as examples of faithfulness, perseverance, and moral character [3].
The book of Hebrews plays a significant role in the development of the doctrine of examples. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to remember their leaders and imitate their faith (Heb. 13:7), and cites various Old Testament figures as examples of faith and perseverance (Heb. 11:1-40). The concept of "example" is also linked to the idea of "doctrine" in Hebrews 6:2, where the author mentions "the doctrine of baptisms, and laying on of hands, and of the resurrection from the dead, and of eternal judgment" [2, 7].
Different Christian traditions have interpreted the doctrine of examples in various ways. Eastern Orthodox theologians, such as John Chrysostom, emphasize the importance of imitating Christ and other biblical figures in the pursuit of virtue and spiritual growth [4, 5]. Nonconformist and Puritan traditions, represented by commentators like Matthew Henry, stress the need to apply biblical examples to daily life and to cultivate a deep understanding of Scripture [6, 9].
Reformed and Baptist traditions also emphasize the significance of biblical examples in shaping Christian doctrine and practice. John Gill's commentary on Proverbs highlights the importance of doctrine and the need to adhere to the teachings of Scripture [8].
The doctrine of examples remains a vital aspect of biblical hermeneutics and Christian theology, encouraging believers to engage with Scripture in a holistic and transformative way. By examining the examples presented in the Bible, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of God's character, will, and purposes, and cultivate a more faithful and obedient response to His Word [3, 1].
Sources
- 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).”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 6:2 (Geneva1599) — Of the doctrine of baptismes, and laying on of hands, and of the resurrection from the dead, and of eternall iudgement.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: sections are numbered throughout: where the division seemed to be inconvenient, the number is given in the margin. In the earlier Homilies a second series of numbers is employed to mark the sections in the translation; this was discontinued as unnecessary, and the Benedictine only retained. In some of the references to the Psalms, where the Septuagint differs much from the Hebrew, the numbers given are those of the Greek. Care will be taken in the Index of Texts to give always the reference to the Psalm and Verse according to the Hebrew reckoning fo”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: ; in Holy Scripture signifies either the creation, or the wicked, 245 . Worldly men, like children, admire vain shows the most, 301 ; hate virtue as opposed to themselves, 302 . Worship, doctrine of, first given to the Samaritan woman, 115 ; of the Jews purer than of the Samaritans, ib. ; yet only a type of the true, 116 ; which is universal and spiritual, ib. Zeal of John's two disciples in visiting Christ, 64 ; of Christ for the Temple was to conciliate the Jews, 81 ; necessity of, 118 ; shown in the Samaritan woman, ib. Zenobia, 30 (note) .”
- Ecclesiastes (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 1 (introduction): In this chapter we have, I. The inscription, or title of the book (Ecc 1:1). II. The general doctrine of the vanity of the creature laid down (Ecc 1:2) and explained (Ecc 1:3). III. The proof of this doctrine, taken, 1. From the shortness of human life and the multitude of births and burials in this life (Ecc 1:4). 2. From the inconstant nature, and constant revolutions, of all the creatures, and the perpetual flux and reflux they are in, the sun, wind, and water (Ecc 1:5-7). 3. From the abundant toil man has about them and the little satisfactio”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6:2: the doctrine of baptisms--paired with "laying on of hands," as the latter followed on Christian baptism, and answers to the rite of confirmation in Episcopal churches. Jewish believers passed, by an easy transition, from Jewish baptismal purifications (Heb 9:10, "washings"), baptism of proselytes, and John's baptism, and legal imposition of hands, to their Christian analogues, baptism, and the subsequent laying on of hands, accompanied by the gift of the Holy Ghost (compare Heb 6:4). Greek, "baptismoi," plural, including Jewish and Christian baptisms, ”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 4:2: For I give you good doctrine,.... Whose author, matter, use, and tendency, are good, and therefore should be received; so the Gospel is called, Ti1 4:6; and no other is here meant: it is the doctrine concerning Wisdom or Christ, as the following verses show; which serves to exalt him, and makes for the good and welfare of immortal souls; and such is the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ and his apostles, even all the doctrines and truths of the Gospel; forsake you not my law; or "doctrine" (o); not the law given on Mount Sinai, as Gersom interprets it; but the ”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 2 (introduction): In this chapter the apostle, I. Makes some application of the doctrine laid down in the chapter foregoing concerning the excellency of the person of Christ, both by way of exhortation and argument (Heb 2:1-4). II. Enlarges further upon the pre-eminence of Christ above the angels (Heb 2:5-9). III. Proceeds to remove the scandal of the cross (Heb 2:10-15). IV. Asserts the incarnation of Christ, taking upon him not the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham, and assigns the reason of his so doing (Heb 2:16 to the end).”