Using Extrabiblical Examples to Illustrate Biblical Unity and Relevance

The Bible often employs extrabiblical examples to illustrate its teachings and demonstrate its relevance to everyday life. One such example is the use of parables, which are comparisons or similitudes that illustrate a spiritual truth by referencing earthly realities ^[1]. The parables of Jesus, for instance, drew on common experiences like farming, shepherding, and household management to convey deeper spiritual lessons.

The unity of God is another doctrine that is reinforced through extrabiblical examples. The biblical assertion of God's unity is echoed in various passages, emphasizing that there is one God who is the Creator of all things ^[2]. This unity is not only a theological concept but is also reflected in the created order, as seen in the unity of humanity, which is implied in the Mosaic writings and supported by philological evidence ^[5].

The concept of communion with God is also illustrated through examples. Christ's compassion and empathy towards others serve as a model for believers to follow, demonstrating that communion with God involves showing compassion to others ^[3]. The Bible further illustrates this by highlighting the importance of exercising sympathy towards the afflicted, the chastened, and the weak.

The excellency and glory of Christ are also demonstrated through various examples. Christ is portrayed as the image of God, the creator, and the mediator between God and humanity, illustrating His divine nature and role in salvation ^[4]. The biblical writers draw on Old Testament passages to demonstrate Christ's fulfillment of various roles, such as prophet, priest, and king.

The use of extrabiblical examples is not limited to the New Testament. The Old Testament also employs this technique, as seen in the Psalms, where the psalmist draws on personal experiences and observations of nature to illustrate God's character and governance ^{[6, 8]}. The Psalmist's reflections on the human condition, for instance, are informed by an understanding of human nature as inherently sinful, yet capable of being redeemed through God's grace ^[6].

The biblical writers also use historical examples to illustrate theological concepts. The story of the fall of humanity in Genesis 3 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience and the consequences of sin ^[7]. This narrative is used throughout the Bible to illustrate the human condition and the need for redemption.

The New Testament writers continue this practice, using examples from the Old Testament to illustrate the significance of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. The author of Hebrews, for instance, draws on the example of Moses to demonstrate Christ's superiority as a mediator between God and humanity ^[11].

The use of extrabiblical examples to illustrate biblical unity and relevance is a testament to the Bible's ability to engage with the world around it. By drawing on everyday experiences and observations, the biblical writers demonstrate that the Bible's teachings are not isolated from the world but are deeply connected to it. This approach also highlights the Bible's emphasis on the unity of all things under God's sovereignty, as seen in the doctrine of the unity of God ^[2].

The biblical emphasis on unity is further reflected in the concept of communion with God, which involves not only a personal relationship with God but also a sense of solidarity with others. This is illustrated in the New Testament's emphasis on the unity of believers in Christ, who are called to be one body, with Christ as the head ^{[9, 10]}.

The use of extrabiblical examples to illustrate biblical teachings is a powerful tool for demonstrating the relevance and unity of the Bible. By engaging with the world around us and drawing on everyday experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Bible's teachings and their application to our lives.

The biblical writers' use of extrabiblical examples also underscores the Bible's character as a book that is deeply rooted in history and culture. The examples used in the Bible are often drawn from the cultural and historical context in which they were written, demonstrating that the Bible is a book that is both timeless and timely ^{[5, 7]}.

Sources

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: Unity of God — A ground for obeying him exclusively -- De 4:39,40. A ground for loving him supremely -- De 6:4,5; Mr 12:29,30. Asserted by God himself. -- Isa 44:6,8; 45:18,21. Christ. -- Mr 12:29; Joh 17:3. Moses. -- De 4:39; 6:4. Apostles. -- 1Co 8:4,6; Eph 4:6; 1Ti 2:5. Consistent with the deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit -- Joh 10:30; 1Jo 5:7; Joh 14:9-11. Exhibited in His greatness and wonderful works. -- 2Sa 7:22; Ps 86:10. His works of creation and providence. -- Isa 44:24; 45:5-8. His being alone possessed of fore-knowledge. -- Isa 46:9-11. His exercise”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion With God — Christ set an example of -- Lu 19:41,42. Exhortation to -- Ro 12:15; 1Pe 3:8. Exercise towards The afflicted. -- Job 6:14; Heb 13:3. The chastened. -- Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1. Enemies. -- Ps 35:13. The poor. -- Pr 19:17. The weak. -- 2Co 11:29; Ga 6:2. Saints. -- 1Co 12:25,26. Inseparable from love to God -- 1Jo 3:17; Joh 4:20. Motives to The compassion of God. -- Mt 13:27,33. The sense of our infirmities. -- Heb 5:2. The wicked made to feel, for saints -- Ps 106:46. Promise to those who show -- Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42. Illustrated -- Lu 10:33; 15:20. Exemp”
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”
Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Tongues, Confusion Of — The unity of the human race is most clearly implied, if not positively asserted, in the Mosaic writings. Unity of language is assumed by the sacred historian apparently as a corollary of the unity of race. (This statement is confirmed by philologists.) No explanation is given of the origin of speech, but its exercise is evidently regarded as coeval with the creation of man. The original unity of speech was restored in Noah. Disturbing causes were, however, early at work to dissolve this twofold union of community and speech. The human family en”
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).”
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.”
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).”
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).”
Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 5:32: 5:32 it is an illustration: Both the unity of husband and wife and the unity of Christ and the church are a great mystery (see study note on 1:8-10).”
Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 3:1: 3:1-6 The author compares Jesus to Moses, setting Jesus forward as the supreme example of faithfulness. The great status of Moses, a revered figure in Judaism, is used to show the incomparable greatness of Jesus. 3:1 dear brothers and sisters who belong to God: Literally holy brothers. Speakers and writers of the ancient world often addressed religious gatherings as “brothers” (Greek adelphoi), referring to both men and women. • think carefully about this Jesus: Focusing on Jesus is a primary means of persevering in the faith (2:9; 12:1-2). • God’s messenger (lite”

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