Using Non-Scriptural Examples Without Undermining Biblical Authority
The Use of Non-Scriptural Examples in Christian Teaching
The Bible itself provides examples of using non-scriptural references to illustrate spiritual truths. For instance, Paul quotes pagan poets in Acts 17:28 and Titus 1:12, demonstrating that Christian teaching can draw on external sources without undermining biblical authority [1]. This practice is rooted in the biblical text, where writers use various examples to convey moral and spiritual lessons.
The apostle Peter exhorts church leaders to be "examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3) [1]. This instruction implies that Christians, particularly leaders, should model their behavior after exemplary individuals, whether biblical or not. The use of non-scriptural examples can serve as a powerful teaching tool, illustrating moral principles and spiritual truths in a relatable way.
In Proverbs 30:8, the prayer for removal of "vanity" is understood by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown as a reference to "all sorts of sinful acts" [2]. While the biblical text is the primary source of moral guidance, the use of external examples can help to clarify and reinforce these teachings. For example, Christian writers and teachers have long drawn on the wisdom of non-Christian philosophers and authors to illustrate moral principles.
The key to using non-scriptural examples effectively lies in ensuring that they do not supplant or undermine the authority of Scripture. According to Tyndale House, Psalms 19:13 highlights the importance of acknowledging and confessing sin, a theme that is echoed in various biblical passages [4]. When non-scriptural examples are used to illustrate biblical teachings, they can serve to reinforce the moral and spiritual lessons conveyed in Scripture.
one commentary tradition on 1 John 3:8 notes that "he that committeth sin is of the devil" because he imitates the devil's actions, not because he is literally born of the devil [3]. This interpretation underscores the importance of understanding the biblical context and not relying solely on external examples. Augustine's Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John are cited in this commentary, highlighting the historical use of non-scriptural references in Christian teaching.
The Methodist theologian Adam Clarke comments on 1 Corinthians 9:15, where Paul declines to assert his apostolic authority, instead choosing to rely on the persuasiveness of his argument [5]. This approach demonstrates that Christian teaching can be effective without relying on external authority or examples. However, Clarke also notes that Paul's use of external references and analogies can be a valuable tool in communicating Christian teachings.
The Nonconformist/Puritan commentator Matthew Henry observes that Romans 4:23 indicates that Abraham's justification by faith serves as a pattern for Christian justification [6]. This understanding highlights the importance of biblical examples in Christian teaching. At the same time, it suggests that non-scriptural examples can be used to illustrate and reinforce the biblical pattern.
Sources
- I Peter “I Peter 5:3 (Webster) — Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 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”
- 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 (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 9:15: Neither have I written, etc. - Though I might plead the authority of God in the law, of Christ in the Gospel, the common consent of our own doctors, and the usages of civil society, yet I have not availed myself of my privileges; nor do I now write with the intention to lay in my claims.”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 4:23: In the close of the chapter, he applies all to us; and, having abundantly proved that Abraham was justified by faith, he here concludes that his justification was to be the pattern or sampler of ours: It was not written for his sake alone. It was not intended only for an historical commendation of Abraham, or a relation of something peculiar to him (as some antipaedobaptists will needs understand that circumcision was a seal of the righteousness of the faith, Rom 4:11, only to Abraham himself, and no other); no, the scripture did not intend hereby to describe some”