Using Cultural References and Historical Examples in Biblical Teaching

The use of cultural references and historical examples in biblical teaching is a long-standing tradition that helps to contextualize and illustrate the timeless principles found in Scripture. The biblical authors themselves employed this method, drawing on the cultural and historical contexts of their audiences to convey spiritual truths.

In the Old Testament, the book of Psalms frequently uses historical examples to teach about God's character and the importance of faithfulness. For instance, Psalm 78:2 uses a parable to recount Israel's history, aiming to impart wisdom and insight to the readers ^[8]. Similarly, Deuteronomy 32:7 encourages the Israelites to remember the days of old and the providences of God concerning their ancestors, highlighting God's kindness and concern for them ^[9].

The New Testament authors also utilized cultural and historical references to explain the significance of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. The apostle Paul, for example, referenced the Old Testament Scriptures to demonstrate the universal sinfulness of humanity and the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation (Romans 1:18-3:20) ^[5]. In 1 Corinthians 3:23, Paul uses the concept of ownership to illustrate the believers' relationship with Christ, emphasizing that they belong to Christ, who in turn belongs to God ^[6].

The early church fathers and subsequent Christian interpreters continued this tradition. Augustine, as quoted in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on 1 John 3:8, explains that one becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by being born of him ^[3]. This interpretation highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical teachings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides numerous examples of how biblical characters demonstrated virtues such as hospitality, liberality, and diligence. For instance, Abraham's hospitality to strangers is cited as an exemplary model for Christian behavior (Genesis 18:3-8) ^[1]. Similarly, the textbook notes that Christ set an example of early rising for devotion and discharge of daily duties (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) ^[2].

The use of historical examples in biblical teaching serves several purposes. It provides a tangible connection to the past, illustrating how biblical principles were applied in various contexts. It also helps to establish a sense of continuity between the biblical narrative and the contemporary experience of believers. As Matthew Henry's commentary on Hebrews 11:4 notes, the apostle sets before the readers illustrious examples of faith from Old Testament times, dividing them into two classes: those whose names are mentioned with specific acts of faith, and those whose names are barely mentioned with a general account of their faith ^[7].

The Presbyterian and Nonconformist/Puritan traditions, as represented in the sources, emphasize the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical teachings. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Genesis 3:13, for example, provides a detailed analysis of the first sin, highlighting its heinous and aggravated nature ^[4]. Similarly, Matthew Henry's commentary on Deuteronomy 32:7 encourages readers to remember God's kindness and concern for the Israelites throughout their history ^[9].

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hospitality — Commanded -- Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9. Required in ministers -- 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8. A test of Christian character -- 1Ti 5:10. Specially to be shown to Strangers. -- Heb 13:2. The poor. -- Isa 58:7; Lu 14:13. Enemies. -- 2Ki 6:22,23; Ro 12:20. Encouragement to -- Lu 14:14; Heb 13:2. Exemplified Melchizedek. -- Ge 14:18. Abraham. -- Ge 18:3-8. Lot. -- Ge 19:2,3. Laban. -- Ge 24:31. Jethro. -- Ex 2:20. Manoah. -- Jdj 13:15. Samuel. -- 1Sa 9:22. David. -- 2Sa 6:19. Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:32. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:8. Nehemiah. -- Ne 5:17. Job. -- Job 31:17,32. Zacchaeu”
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 ”
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”
Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
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 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 3:23: 3:23 Just as they may now claim everything as their own, so Christ has claimed them for himself (see Rom 14:7-9), and in Christ they are ultimately claimed by God (see 1 Cor 6:19-20; 7:23).”
Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 11:4: The apostle, having given us a more general account of the grace of faith, now proceeds to set before us some illustrious examples of it in the Old Testament times, and these may be divided into two classes: - 1. Those whose names are mentioned, and the particular exercise and actings of whose faith are specified. 2. Those whose names are barely mentioned, and an account given in general of the exploits of their faith, which it is left to the reader to accommodate, and apply to the particular persons from what he gathers up in the sacred story. We have here those”
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).”
Deuteronomy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 32:7: Moses, having in general represented God to them as their great benefactor, whom they were bound in gratitude to observe and obey, in these verses gives particular instances of God's kindness to them and concern for them. 1. Some instances were ancient, and for proof of them he appeals to the records (Deu 32:7): Remember the days of old; that is, "Keep in remembrance the history of those days, and of the wonderful providences of God concerning the old world, and concerning your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; you will find a constant series of mercies at”

Ask Your Own Question