Using Non-Biblical Examples to Point People to Scripture
The practice of using non-biblical examples to introduce or explain biblical truths finds precedent in the New Testament itself. The Apostle Paul, for instance, engaged with the thinkers of his day by quoting writers familiar to his audience and critiquing their assumptions before presenting the Christian message [8]. This approach demonstrates a method of connecting with an audience's existing knowledge or cultural context to highlight the relevance of the Gospel [8].
The New Testament uses the Greek word parabole for "parable," which signifies "placing beside or together," a comparison, or an illustration of one subject by another [2]. While parables in the New Testament are biblical narratives, the underlying principle of using a familiar concept to illuminate a less familiar one is applicable. Christ himself sanctioned the Scriptures by appealing to them and teaching from them [1]. However, the method of drawing parallels from outside sacred texts can serve as a bridge to that divine revelation.
Early Christian figures also recognized the value of clear communication over ornate language when presenting the Gospel. Paul stated that he was sent "not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect" [3, 5]. This suggests a priority on the message's clarity and impact rather than relying on sophisticated rhetoric alone [7]. Similarly, ministers are encouraged to be examples of sincerity [6] and to avoid being "lords over God's heritage," but rather "examples to the flock" [4]. These examples of conduct and communication can serve as non-biblical illustrations of Christian principles, leading individuals to consider the source of such virtues.
The Bible itself is referred to by various names emphasizing its divine origin and authority, such as "the Word of God," "the Word of Christ," and "Holy Scriptures" [1]. The goal of using non-biblical examples is to point people toward these inspired texts, which are "given by inspiration of God" and "by inspiration of the Holy Spirit" [1]. This method aims to make the message of Scripture accessible and compelling by relating it to experiences or ideas already understood by the audience, thereby drawing them to the ultimate source of truth.
Sources
- 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”
- 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”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 1:17 — For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”
- I Peter “I Peter 5:3 (Webster) — Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 1:17 (Geneva1599) — For CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preache the Gospel, not with wisdome of wordes, lest the crosse of Christ should be made of none effect.”
- 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; ”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 2:1: When I came to you - Acting suitably to my mission, which was to preach the Gospel, but not with human eloquence, Co1 1:17. I declared to you the testimony, the Gospel, of God, not with excellency of speech, not with arts of rhetoric, used by your own philosophers, where the excellence of the speech recommends the matter, and compensates for the want of solidity and truth: on the contrary, the testimony concerning Christ and his salvation is so supremely excellent, as to dignify any kind of language by which it may be conveyed. See the Introduction, Section 2.”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 17:16: 17:16-34 In this chapter, we see Paul presented as a model witness for Christ, engaging the thinkers of his day and challenging them with the Christian message. Paul quoted writers his audience would be familiar with and showed the relevance of the gospel by dialoguing with them, critiquing their assumptions, and offering Jesus as a constructive alternative (see Col 1:28). Paul reminded these proud intellectuals that there is a living God to whom all human beings are answerable; that they will be judged by him through Jesus, whom God raised from the dead; and that ”