Using Cultural Examples to Illustrate Scripture's Relevance
Using Cultural Examples to Illustrate Scripture's Relevance
The use of cultural examples to illustrate the relevance of Scripture is a long-standing practice in Christian tradition. By drawing parallels between biblical teachings and everyday life, Christians can better understand and apply the principles of their faith. One effective way to demonstrate this is through the examination of virtues and values promoted in the Bible.
The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who embodied virtues such as diligence, humility, and hospitality. For instance, the biblical account of Abraham rising early to execute God's commands (Genesis 22:3) is cited as an example of diligence [1]. Similarly, Jesus is presented as an example of humility, meekness, and diligence, as seen in his early rising to pray (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) [3, 1].
The practice of using cultural examples to illustrate biblical teachings is rooted in the biblical tradition itself. The parables of Jesus, for example, used everyday cultural scenarios to convey spiritual truths [2]. The use of parables allowed Jesus to make complex theological concepts more relatable and accessible to his audience.
In Christian tradition, the interpretation of Scripture has often involved drawing on cultural examples to illustrate its relevance. For example, one commentary tradition on 1 John 3:8 notes that Augustine interpreted the phrase "He that committeth sin is of the devil" as indicating that one becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, rather than through birth [4]. This interpretation highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical teachings.
The Protestant academic tradition also emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context of Scripture. For example, the Tyndale House commentary on Romans 1:18 notes that God's anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but a necessary response to sin, highlighting the relevance of biblical teachings to human experience [5].
The use of cultural examples to illustrate Scripture's relevance is not limited to Christian tradition. Jewish tradition also employs this approach, as seen in the commentary of Abraham Ibn Ezra on Deuteronomy 4:34, which notes that Scripture employs human language to facilitate understanding [7].
The early Christian church continued this practice, with the reading of Scripture being a central part of worship (1 Timothy 4:13) [6]. The use of cultural examples to illustrate biblical teachings remains an essential aspect of Christian preaching and teaching, enabling believers to apply the principles of their faith to everyday life.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
- 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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Deuteronomy 4:34: ASSAYED. Scripture employs human language so that those who hear will understand.”