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Typology in Biblical Interpretation and Preaching Christ and Church

Typology in biblical interpretation involves understanding how earlier persons, events, or institutions in salvation history prefigure later, more complete realities, particularly Christ and the Church. This interpretive method sees patterns and correspondences between the Old and New Testaments, where the former serves as a "type" and the latter as its "antitype" or fulfillment. For instance, the Paschal Lamb in the Old Testament is understood as a type of Christ [5]. The lamb was to be male, without blemish, taken from the flock, and its blood shed, all of which find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ [5].

Christ himself is the central figure of biblical typology. His life and ministry are seen as the culmination of many Old Testament types. He is described as the "image of God" and the "creator" [3]. His role as Prophet, Priest, and King also has Old Testament antecedents [3]. The compassion and sympathy of Christ, for example, are necessary for his priestly office and are manifested towards the weary, the weak in faith, the tempted, the afflicted, the diseased, the poor, and perishing sinners [2]. These characteristics encourage prayer, as seen in Hebrews 4:15 [2].

Beyond Christ, the Church is also understood typologically, particularly as the "body of Christ" [6, 14]. This concept emphasizes unity and diversity within the Christian community. Just as a physical body has many different parts, each with its own function, the Church is composed of many members, each with distinct roles determined by God [6, 7, 10]. These members are united together to form one complete body, with Christ as its head [4, 7]. This unity means that harmony and mutual care among believers are essential [9]. The idea that "there is no longer male and female" in Christ Jesus underscores that all believers receive God's promises in the same way, forming one body [8].

The Church's identity as the body of Christ means that it is a mystical body, with Christ appointed as its head by God [4, 14]. He has pre-eminence in all things, commissioned the apostles, instituted ordinances, and imparts gifts to its members [4]. The saints are considered complete in Christ [4]. Those who pervert the truth are described as not holding to Christ as the head [4].

Typology also extends to moral and ethical examples. The lives of biblical figures can serve as "examples" or "types" for believers. For instance, Christ himself is an example for believers to follow (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15) [1]. Pastors are examples to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3) [1]. The experiences of the Jews serve as a warning (Heb. 4:11), and the suffering of the prophets provides an example of affliction (James 5:10) [1].

In preaching, understanding typology allows for a richer exposition of biblical texts, demonstrating the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history, culminating in Christ. Preachers are called to "preach the word," which refers to Christ, the essential Word, and the Gospel of salvation [12]. This involves proclaiming the message openly, publicly, and with boldness, without omitting any part of it [12]. The preacher's own weakness and trembling anxiety to perform duty can be part of this proclamation, as Paul exemplified [13]. The Church, as the body of Christ, is also described as a "holy temple for the Lord," where Gentile and Jewish Christians are joined together in Christ [11]. This unified body, with its many members, reflects the diverse yet harmonious nature of God's people.

Sources

  1. 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).”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Compassion and Sympathy of Christ, The — Necessary to his priestly office -- Heb 5:2,7. Manifested for the Weary and heavy-laden. -- Mt 11:28-30. Weak in faith. -- Isa 40:11; 42:3; Mt 12:20. Tempted. -- Heb 2:18. Afflicted. -- Lu 7:13; Joh 11:33,35. Diseased. -- Mt 14:14; Mr 1:41. Poor. -- Mr 8:2. Perishing sinners. -- Mt 9:36; Lu 19:41; Joh 3:16. An encouragement to prayer -- Heb 4:15.”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Head of the Church — Predicted -- Ps 118:22; Mt 21:42. Appointed by God -- Eph 1:22. Declared by himself -- Mt 21:42. As his mystical body -- Eph 4:12,15; 5:23. Has the pre-eminence in all things -- 1Co 11:3; Eph 1:22; Col 1:18. Commissioned his Apostles -- Mt 10:1,7; 28:19; Joh 20:21. Instituted the ordinances -- Mt 28:19; Lu 22:19,20. Imparts gifts -- Ps 68:18; Eph 4:8. Saints are complete in -- Col 2:10. Perverters of the truth do not hold -- Col 2:18,19.”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Paschal Lamb, Typical Nature Of — A type of Christ -- Ex 12:3; 1Co 5:7. A male of the first year -- Ex 12:5; Isa 9:6. Without blemish -- Ex 12:5; 1Pe 1:19. Taken out of the flock -- Ex 12:5; Heb 2:14,17. Chosen before-hand -- Ex 12:3; 1Pe 2:4. Shut up four days that it might be closely examined -- Ex 12:6; Joh 8:46; 18:38. Killed by the people -- Ex 12:6; Ac 2:23. Killed at the place where the Lord put his name -- De 16:2,5-7; 2Ch 35:1; Lu 13:33. Killed in the evening -- Ex 12:6; Mr 15:34,37. Its blood to be shed -- Ex 12:7; Lu 22:20. Blood of, sprinkled on lintel an”
  6. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
  7. 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
  8. Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 3:28: 3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.”
  9. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:25: 12:25-26 The church is a unified body, so harmony and care for each other in the church is essential.”
  10. 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 12:14: For the body is not one member - The mystical body, the Church, as well as the natural body, is composed of many members.”
  11. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:21: 2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, because the Lord himself is among his people (see Matt 18:20; 28:20; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:4-5).”
  12. 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 4:2: Preach the word,.... Either Christ the essential Word, who is the sum and substance of the Gospel ministry; or the word of truth and faith, the Gospel of salvation, the word of righteousness, peace, and reconciliation by Christ; which is to be preached, or published, in like manner as heralds proclaim the will of their princes; openly, publicly, and with a loud voice, without adding to it, or taking from speaking out the whole, and keeping back no part of it; and that with all courage and boldness: some copies read, "the word of God"; and the Ethiopic version, "his ”
  13. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:3: I--the preacher: as Co1 2:2 describes the subject, "Christ crucified," and Co1 2:4 the mode of preaching: "my speech . . . not with enticing words," "but in demonstration of the Spirit." weakness--personal and bodily (Co2 10:10; Co2 12:7, Co2 12:9; Gal 4:13). trembling--(compare Phi 2:12). Not personal fear, but a trembling anxiety to perform a duty; anxious conscientiousness, as proved by the contrast to "eye service" (Eph 6:5) [CONYBEARE and HOWSON].”
  14. 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 12:12: For as the body is one - Though the human body have many members, and though it be composed of a great variety of parts, yet it is but one entire system; every part and member being necessary to the integrity or completeness of the whole. So also is Christ - That is, So is the Church the body of Christ, being composed of the different officers already mentioned, and especially those enumerated, Co1 12:28, apostles, prophets, teachers, etc. It cannot be supposed that Christ is composed of many members, etc., and therefore the term Church must be understood, u”
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