Using Non-Scriptural Examples to Illustrate Biblical Principles
The use of non-scriptural examples to illustrate biblical principles is a common practice that aligns with the Bible's own methods of communication, particularly through parables and comparisons. The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" is derived, signifies "placing beside or together, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another" [2]. This suggests that the Bible itself employs illustrative methods to convey deeper truths.
Biblical principles are often presented through concrete examples, whether from daily life or historical events. For instance, Christ himself used parables extensively to teach spiritual lessons, such as the parable of the sower or the prodigal son [2]. The Scriptures are described as "given by inspiration of God" and "the Word of God," serving as the ultimate authority for doctrine and life [1]. However, the application of these divine truths often benefits from relatable illustrations.
The Bible frequently uses analogies to explain complex spiritual realities. For example, the concept of faith is illustrated by understanding that "the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible" [7]. Similarly, the transformation of believers is likened to an "epistle of Christ... written, not with ink, but [the] Spirit of [the] living God; not on stone tables, but on fleshy tables of [the] heart" [5, 8]. These comparisons draw on observable phenomena or common experiences to illuminate spiritual truths.
The practice of using non-scriptural examples can help bridge the gap between ancient texts and contemporary understanding, making abstract principles more accessible. For instance, the concept of sincerity is exemplified by Christ and is expected in various aspects of Christian life, including love for God and others, and the preaching of the gospel [3]. Liberality, another biblical principle, is shown to be pleasing to God and characteristic of saints, with examples given for its exercise toward various groups, including the poor and enemies [4]. While the Bible provides its own rich set of examples, drawing from broader human experience can reinforce these principles.
The purpose of such illustrations is not to replace the authority of Scripture but to clarify and apply its teachings. The Bible is considered the "first principle of the gospel" and the foundation of Christian doctrine [6, 9]. Therefore, any non-scriptural example must faithfully reflect and uphold the principles derived directly from the biblical text. The goal is to magnify God in His works, recognizing that even what is not explicitly seen can be understood through what is seen [10].
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”
- 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; ”
- 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:”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 3:3 (Darby) — being manifested to be Christ's epistle ministered by us, written, not with ink, but [the] Spirit of [the] livingGod; not on stone tables, but on fleshy tables of [the] heart.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resurrection, The — A doctrine of the Old Testament -- Job 19:26; Ps 16:10; 49:15; Isa 26:19; Da 12:2; Ho 13:14. A first principle of the gospel -- 1Co 15:13,14; Heb 6:1,2. Expected by the Jews -- Joh 11:24; Heb 11:35. Denied by the Sadducees -- Mt 22:23; Lu 20:27; Ac 23:8. Explained away by false teachers -- 2Ti 2:18. Called in question by some in the church -- 1Co 15:12. Is not incredible -- Mr 12:24; Ac 26:8. Is not contrary to reason -- Joh 12:24; 1Co 15:35-49. Assumed and proved by our Lord -- Mt 22:29-32; Lu 14:14; Joh 5:28,29. Preached by the Apostles -- Ac 4:”
- Hebrews “By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. -- Hebrews 11:3”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 3:3 — Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 36:24: Instead of arraigning, let it be thy fixed principle to magnify God in His works (Psa 111:2-8; Rev 15:3); these, which all may "see," may convince us that what we do not see is altogether wise and good (Rom 1:20). behold--As "see" (Job 36:25), shows; not, as MAURER, "sing," laud (see on Job 33:27).”