Using Non-Biblical Examples in Evangelism and Discipleship
Christ himself employed non-biblical examples throughout his teaching ministry, drawing from agriculture, commerce, family life, and the natural world to illuminate spiritual truth. The parables of the sower, the prodigal son, and the good Samaritan all root theological concepts in everyday experience. This pattern establishes a precedent: effective communication of the gospel adapts to the hearer's frame of reference without compromising doctrinal content.
The Apostolic Model
Paul's missionary strategy demonstrates deliberate contextualization. He made it his ambition "to proclaim the gospel where Christ has not been named, in order that I will not build on the foundation belonging to someone else" [2], suggesting adaptation to new cultural contexts. His Mars Hill address (Acts 17) quotes pagan poets to establish common ground before presenting the resurrection. Yet this flexibility operated within boundaries—Paul insisted on preaching with sincerity, "not as so many, which corrupt the word of God" [1], and warned against building on another's foundation in ways that compromised the message's integrity.
Pedagogical Function
Non-biblical examples serve as lamps that display the light of Scripture rather than replacing it. Calvin observed that believers "resemble the lamps; while he compares the word of God to the wick, from which the light comes" [4]. The illustration is not the source of truth but the medium through which biblical truth becomes visible in a particular context. This distinction matters: the example must illuminate Scripture, not obscure it or become an independent authority.
Boundaries and Cautions
The use of external examples requires discernment about what constitutes appropriate material. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that sincerity should characterize "the preaching of the gospel," yet acknowledges "the gospel sometimes preached without" it [1], pointing to the danger of rhetorical manipulation. Examples drawn from sinful behavior or worldly wisdom risk normalizing what Scripture condemns. The teacher must exercise self-denial [3], subordinating clever rhetoric to faithful exposition.
Contemporary illustrations function best when they clarify rather than compete with the biblical text. They should drive the hearer back to Scripture's authority, not establish the teacher's cultural sophistication. The goal remains unchanged: that hearers would glorify God through "professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ" [5], not merely appreciate the communicator's skill.
Sources
- 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; ”
- Romans “Romans 15:20 (LEB) — And so, having as my ambition to proclaim the gospel where Christ has not been named, in order that I will not build on the foundation belonging to someone else,”
- 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 ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 12.10: makes us resemble the lamps; while he compares the word of God to the wick, from which the light comes. If you prefer another figure — we are candlesticks: the doctrine of the gospel is the candle, which, being placed in us, diffuses light on all sides. Now he intimates, that we do injustice to the word of God, if it does not shine forth in us in respect of purity of life. This is the import of Christ’s saying, “No man lighteth a candle, and putteth it under a bushel,” etc. ( Matthew 5:15 .) We are said, however, ”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”