Using Extrabiblical Examples to Teach Complex Biblical Concepts
Using Extrabiblical Examples to Teach Complex Biblical Concepts
The Bible often employs extrabiblical examples to illustrate complex theological concepts, making them more relatable and understandable. For instance, the story of the first humans in Genesis 3 serves as a prime example to understand the nature of sin. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, the sin of Adam and Eve was not just about eating a forbidden fruit, but represented a deeper issue of "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" [3].
This narrative is used to explain the concept of sin and its consequences. The Psalmist also references the universality of sin, stating that "all human beings are born sinners" (Psalm 58:3) [1]. This idea is reinforced by the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:18-3:20, where he explains that both Gentiles and Jews are under sin's power and cannot find favor with God through their actions [4].
In 1 John 3:8, the author writes that "He that committeth sin is of the devil." Augustine interprets this as meaning that one becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not through birth [2]. This understanding highlights the importance of human agency in sinning and the need for spiritual rebirth.
The use of extrabiblical examples is not limited to biblical narratives. The writers of the New Testament often drew upon contemporary cultural and philosophical contexts to explain complex theological concepts. For example, the author of Hebrews warns against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9), highlighting the importance of adhering to sound doctrine [7, 8].
Calvin's commentary on Genesis demonstrates how the Reformers used extrabiblical examples to illustrate biblical concepts. one tradition notes that the story of Abraham's faith is an example of the kind of trust God requires from his people [5]. Similarly, the Psalmist uses the example of thanksgiving and vows to teach about the proper attitude towards worship, emphasizing that God desires "the homage of the heart, and faith, penitence, and love" (Psalm 50:8) [6].
The use of extrabiblical examples to teach complex biblical concepts is a valuable tool for understanding the depth and richness of Scripture. By examining these examples and their biblical context, one can gain a deeper understanding of the theological concepts being taught.
The historical development of this approach can be seen in the writings of the early Church Fathers and Reformers, who frequently employed extrabiblical examples to explain complex theological concepts. This approach continues to be used in contemporary Christian teaching and preaching, helping to make complex biblical concepts more accessible to a wider audience.
Sources
- 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).”
- 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”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 1.5: more recently been subjected. Still his verbal criticisms are neither few nor unimportant, though he lays comparatively little stress upon them himself. 5 5 The reader is referred, for full information on this subject, to a small volume entitled, “The Merits of Calvin as an Interpreter of the Holy Scriptures,” by Professor Tholuck of Halle. To which are added, “Opinions and Testimonies of Foreign and British Divines and Scholars as to the Importance of the Writings of John Calvin.” With a Preface by the Revelation William Pringle. ”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 50:8: However scrupulous in external worship, it was offered as if they conferred an obligation in giving God His own, and with a degrading view of Him as needing it [Psa 50:9-13]. Reproving them for such foolish and blasphemous notions, He teaches them to offer, or literally, "sacrifice," thanksgiving, and pay, or perform, their vows--that is, to bring, with the external symbolical service, the homage of the heart, and faith, penitence, and love. To this is added an invitation to seek, and a promise to afford, all needed help in trouble.”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:9: about--rather, as oldest manuscripts read, "carried aside"; namely, compare Eph 4:14. divers--differing from the one faith in the one and the same Jesus Christ, as taught by them who had the rule over you (Heb 13:7). strange--foreign to the truth. doctrines--"teachings." established with grace; not with meats--not with observances of Jewish distinctions between clean and unclean meats, to which ascetic Judaizers added in Christian times the rejection of some meats, and the use of others: noticed also by Paul in Co1 8:8, Co1 8:13; Co1 6:13; Rom”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”