Typological Connections in Non-Scriptural Examples and Christ
Typology in biblical interpretation identifies patterns or correspondences between persons, events, or institutions in the Old Testament and their fulfillment in Christ and the New Testament [5]. While the primary focus of typology is scriptural, certain non-scriptural examples and concepts are also understood to bear a typological relationship to Christ.
One significant non-scriptural concept that serves as a type for Christ is the idea of a mediator. Christ is understood as the sole mediator between God and humanity, a role he fulfills through his atonement [2]. This mediation is not only between God and individuals but also central to the gospel covenant [2]. While Moses and Aaron are typological figures of Christ as mediators within the Old Testament [2], the broader concept of mediation itself, as a necessary bridge between two parties, can be seen as a non-scriptural type pointing to Christ's ultimate mediatorial work.
Another area where non-scriptural examples can illuminate Christ's role is through analogies of human relationships and societal structures. The intimate bond between a man and a woman, for instance, is used to illustrate the profound mystery of Christ and the church [3, 6]. This marital union, while a natural human institution, serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual unity between Christ and his followers [6]. Similarly, the interdependence of various parts within a human body is used to explain the unity and diversity within the church, which is described as the body of Christ [4]. This analogy, found in classical literature as well, provides a framework for understanding the organic connection and mutual reliance among believers, all centered on Christ as the head [4].
Furthermore, the concept of compassion, while a human virtue, finds its ultimate expression and example in Christ [1]. Christ demonstrated compassion for the afflicted, the chastened, and even his enemies [1]. The motives for showing compassion, such as the compassion of God and the awareness of human infirmities, are rooted in divine attributes and human experience, both of which are perfectly embodied in Christ [1]. These non-scriptural examples, drawn from human experience and observation, serve to highlight and deepen the understanding of Christ's multifaceted nature and his relationship with humanity and the church.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion With God — Christ set an example of -- Lu 19:41,42. Exhortation to -- Ro 12:15; 1Pe 3:8. Exercise towards The afflicted. -- Job 6:14; Heb 13:3. The chastened. -- Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1. Enemies. -- Ps 35:13. The poor. -- Pr 19:17. The weak. -- 2Co 11:29; Ga 6:2. Saints. -- 1Co 12:25,26. Inseparable from love to God -- 1Jo 3:17; Joh 4:20. Motives to The compassion of God. -- Mt 13:27,33. The sense of our infirmities. -- Heb 5:2. The wicked made to feel, for saints -- Ps 106:46. Promise to those who show -- Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42. Illustrated -- Lu 10:33; 15:20. Exemp”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Mediator — In virtue of his atonement -- Eph 2:13-18; Heb 9:15; 12:24. The only one between God and man -- 1Ti 2:5. Of the gospel covenant -- Heb 8:6; 12:24. Typified Moses. -- De 5:5; Ga 3:19. Aaron. -- Nu 16:48.”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 5:32 (NASB) — This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 12:4: 12:4-5 so it is with Christ’s body: The parallel between the human body and the church—the body of Christ—is also found in 1 Cor 12. This metaphor provides an effective picture of unity and diversity in the church (cp. Livy, History 2.32; Epictetus, Discourses 2.10.4–5).”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 8:35: Began at the same scripture - He did not confine himself to this one scripture, but made this his text, and showed, from the general tenor of the sacred writings, that Jesus was the Christ, or Messiah; and that in his person, birth, life, doctrine, miracles, passion, death, and resurrection, the Scriptures of the Old Testament were fulfilled. This preaching had the desired effect, for the eunuch was convinced of the truth of Philip's doctrine, and desired to be baptized in the name of Jesus.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 11:11: Yet neither sex is insulated and independent of the other in the Christian life [ALFORD]. The one needs the other in the sexual relation; and in respect to Christ ("in the Lord"), the man and the woman together (for neither can be dispensed with) realize the ideal of redeemed humanity represented by the bride, the Church.”