BEREAN.AI ← Ask a Question

Using Extrabiblical Examples and Illustrations to Confirm Scripture

The Bible is considered by many to be the inspired Word of God, given through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit [1]. Its authority is often affirmed by its internal consistency and divine origin. However, the use of extrabiblical examples and illustrations can serve to confirm or illuminate scriptural truths, providing additional context or demonstrating universal principles.

One way extrabiblical examples function is by illustrating concepts that are also present in Scripture. For instance, the concept of a "parable" in the New Testament refers to a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [3]. While biblical parables are divinely inspired, the very act of using an illustration to explain a deeper truth is a common human practice. Similarly, the Bible frequently uses metaphors and enigmatic maxims to convey meaning [3].

The Bible itself points to external confirmations of divine activity. Miracles, for example, are described as "signs and wonders" that manifest the glory of God and serve as evidence of a divine commission [2]. These miraculous events, while unique, often interact with the natural world in ways that can be observed and attested to, even by those outside the immediate faith community. The message of Christ and his followers was confirmed by God through "signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit" [12].

Biblical teachings on human nature, such as the universality of sin, can be observed in broader human experience. Scripture states that "all human beings are born sinners" [6]. This concept is not merely a theological assertion but is often reflected in the consistent patterns of human behavior and societal structures throughout history, which frequently demonstrate a struggle with moral failings and rebellion [9, 10]. Augustine, for example, noted that while the devil does not "beget" children, those who imitate him become his children through their actions, highlighting how sinful behavior aligns individuals with evil, rather than through a literal birth [8]. The "vanity" mentioned in Proverbs 30:8 can be understood as all sorts of sinful acts, a reality observable in human societies across time [7].

Furthermore, the Bible presents certain ethical principles and practices that resonate with universal human wisdom or are exemplified in various cultures. For instance, the importance of "early rising" for devotion, duty, and diligence is exemplified by biblical figures like Abraham, Jacob, and David, and even by Christ himself [5]. While these are biblical examples, the practical benefits of diligence and discipline are widely recognized outside of religious texts. Similarly, the concept of "self-denial" is presented as a test of devotion to Christ and necessary for spiritual triumph [4]. This principle, in various forms, can be found in many philosophical and ethical systems that advocate for discipline and moderation.

The "testimonies" or Scriptures are described as "wonderful" not only for their divine origin but also for the "things contained in them" and their "use and advantage" [11]. These include accounts of creation, providential events, and miracles [11]. While the Bible is the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice, extrabiblical observations can sometimes provide corroborating evidence or illustrative parallels that underscore the enduring relevance and truth of biblical principles.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Miracles — Power of God necessary to -- Joh 3:2. Described as Marvellous things. -- Ps 78:12. Marvellous works. -- Isa 29:14; Ps 105:5. Signs and wonders. -- Jer 32:21; Joh 4:48; 2Co 12:12. Manifest The glory of God. -- Joh 11:4. The glory of Christ. -- Joh 2:11; 11:4. The works of God. -- Joh 9:3. Were evidences of a divine commission -- Ex 4:1-5; Mr 16:20. The Messiah was expected to perform -- Mt 11:2,3; Joh 7:31. Jesus was proved to be the Messiah by -- Mt 11:4-6; Lu 7:20-22; Joh 5:36; Ac 2:22. Jesus was followed on account of -- Mt 4:23-25; 14:35,36; Joh 6:2,26;”
  3. 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”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  5. 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 ”
  6. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
  7. Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
  8. 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”
  9. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
  10. 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”
  11. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:125: PE.--The Seventeenth Part. PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful,.... The Scriptures, which testify of God, his mind and will, are wonderful both with respect to the author of them, the things contained in them, and the use and advantage of them. They give an account of the wonderful works of creation; of their author and matter; of the manner, order, and time of their being wrought: they relate many wonderful events of Providence, both in a way of mercy and judgment; they declare several surprising miracles, wrought by Moses and others, and exhibit many marvellous t”
  12. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 2:4: 2:4 God confirmed the message (literally God bore witness): God himself confirmed the validity of the message of Christ and his followers by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:22; Rom 15:19; 2 Cor 12:12).”
Ask Your Own Question
About Terms Privacy Contact

© 2026 BEREAN.AI. All rights reserved.