BEREAN.AI ← Ask a Question

Using Extrabiblical Examples in Biblical Teaching Effectively

Effective biblical teaching often incorporates extrabiblical examples to illuminate scriptural truths, making them more relatable and understandable for an audience. This practice aligns with the biblical tradition of using familiar concepts and imagery to convey profound spiritual lessons. Jesus himself frequently employed parables, which are essentially comparisons or illustrations of one subject by another, often drawn from everyday life [1, 13]. These parables, such as the mustard seed, used surprising and evocative imagery to emphasize the contrast between insignificant beginnings and glorious consummation, or the inevitable growth of the Kingdom through the gospel [15].

The use of examples in teaching is a well-established method, even within the biblical narrative itself. The apostle Paul, for instance, taught by example, demonstrating diligence by working for his own food [12]. Similarly, various figures in the Old Testament are presented as examples of specific virtues or actions, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joshua exemplifying early rising [6]. Christ is frequently cited as the ultimate example for believers in areas such as self-denial, liberality, sincerity, and early rising [2, 3, 5, 6]. Ministers are also called to be examples of sincerity [3].

When considering extrabiblical examples, it is crucial to understand their function as illustrations rather than as primary sources of doctrine. The word "parable" itself, from the Greek parabole, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or similitude [1]. This means that extrabiblical examples serve to place a known concept alongside a biblical truth to clarify or emphasize it. They are not meant to replace or supersede the authority of Scripture but to enhance its communication.

One way extrabiblical examples can be used effectively is to illustrate universal human experiences that resonate with biblical themes. For instance, the concept of sin is a pervasive theme in Scripture, described as a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude, and disobedience [9]. All human beings are born sinners, and while the godly fight against their sinful nature, the wicked indulge it [7]. Extrabiblical stories or contemporary scenarios that depict the consequences of self-centeredness, ingratitude, or rebellion can powerfully illustrate the biblical understanding of sin. Similarly, the idea of God's anger as a necessary response to sin, rather than a spontaneous emotional outburst, can be illuminated by examples of justice systems or moral outrage in human experience [10].

Extrabiblical examples can also help to clarify abstract theological concepts. For example, the idea that afflictions can be beneficial, promoting God's glory, exhibiting His power, teaching His will, and turning people to Him, is a profound biblical truth [4]. Stories of individuals overcoming adversity in secular contexts, or even historical accounts of resilience, can serve as compelling illustrations of how suffering can lead to growth and deeper understanding, mirroring the spiritual benefits described in Scripture. However, it is important to ensure that such examples do not inadvertently promote a "prosperity gospel" or suggest that all suffering is directly punitive, but rather that God can work through all circumstances for good.

Another effective use of extrabiblical examples is to highlight the contrast between biblical principles and worldly values. The Bible often presents a counter-cultural perspective. For instance, the concept of liberality, being pleasing to God and a characteristic of saints, stands in contrast to worldly greed [5]. Examples from history or current events that showcase extreme generosity or, conversely, extreme selfishness, can underscore the biblical call to liberality. Similarly, the idea of self-denial as a test of devotedness to Christ and necessary for following Him [2] can be illustrated by stories of personal sacrifice for a greater cause, whether in sports, art, or public service, drawing parallels to the spiritual discipline required of believers.

When employing extrabiblical examples, it is crucial to maintain theological precision. For instance, when discussing sin, it is important to distinguish between the commission of actual sins and the inherent corrupt nature [11]. Augustine, as cited by Bengel, clarifies that while one who commits sin is "of the devil," the devil does not "beget" anyone; rather, imitation makes one a child of the devil [8]. An extrabiblical example should not blur such distinctions but rather help to clarify them. For example, a story about someone who repeatedly makes bad choices could illustrate the commission of actual sins, while a narrative about a character struggling with an inherent flaw could speak to the corrupt nature, provided the distinction is carefully drawn back to biblical teaching.

The effectiveness of extrabiblical examples hinges on their ability to serve as a "light" that gives understanding, much like the entrance of God's word itself is said to give light [14]. They should function as a bridge, connecting the audience's lived experience to the timeless truths of Scripture. The goal is not merely to entertain or inform, but to facilitate a deeper comprehension and application of biblical principles. Therefore, the chosen examples should be relevant, clear, and directly applicable to the biblical point being made, always pointing back to the authority and sufficiency of the Word of God.

Sources

  1. 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”
  2. 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 ”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
  6. 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 ”
  7. 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).”
  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. 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.”
  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. 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”
  12. 2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:7: 3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).”
  13. Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 11:39: cup and platter--remarkable example of our Lord's way of drawing the most striking illustrations of great truths from the most familiar objects and incidents of life. ravening--rapacity.”
  14. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:130: Here is, 1. The great use for which the word of God was intended, to give light, that is, to give understanding, to give us to understand that which will be of use to us in our travels through this world; and it is the outward and ordinary means by which the Spirit of God enlightens the understanding of all that are sanctified. God's testimonies are not only wonderful for the greatness of them, but useful, as a light in a dark place. 2. Its efficacy for this purpose. It admirably answers the end; for, (1.) Even the entrance of God's word gives light. If we begi”
  15. Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:31: 13:31-33 Jesus used surprising, evocative imagery in these parables, either to emphasize the inevitable growth of the Kingdom through proclamation of the gospel or, more probably, to emphasize the contrast between insignificant beginnings and glorious consummation, and to exhort the disciples to patience (see also 16:24–17:13).”
Ask Your Own Question
About Terms Privacy Contact

© 2026 BEREAN.AI. All rights reserved.