Applying Non-Biblical Examples to Biblical Principles
Biblical principles, while rooted in specific historical and cultural contexts, are often illustrated and reinforced through comparisons with non-biblical examples, a practice evident even within the biblical text itself. The Greek word parabole, translated as "parable," signifies "placing beside or together," a comparison or similitude used to illustrate one subject by another [2]. This method of teaching allows for the application of divine truths to various aspects of life, both within and outside the direct narrative of Scripture.
For instance, the concept of self-denial, a core biblical principle, is exemplified by Christ's own life (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8) and is presented as a test of devotion for believers (Matthew 10:37-38; Luke 9:23-24) [1]. While these are biblical examples, the principle itself can be understood and applied through analogous situations in everyday life that require foregoing personal desires for a greater purpose. Similarly, liberality is shown to be pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:16) and characteristic of saints (Psalm 112:9), with Christ as the ultimate example (2 Corinthians 8:9) [3]. The practice of liberality extends to various non-biblical contexts, such as giving to the poor, strangers, and even enemies, demonstrating its universal applicability [3].
The New Testament writers frequently draw parallels between spiritual truths and common experiences. Paul, for example, speaks of "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Corinthians 2:13), which some interpreters understand as expounding Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture by comparing it with the Gospel revealed by Jesus, and conversely illustrating Gospel mysteries by comparing them with Old Testament types [6]. This hermeneutical approach suggests a broader principle of drawing connections between different domains of knowledge and experience to deepen understanding.
The author of Hebrews encourages believers to move "on unto perfection," leaving behind the "principles of the doctrine of Christ" [4]. This progression implies a deeper understanding and application of foundational truths, which can be aided by discerning how these principles manifest in diverse situations. The epistle also warns against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9), contrasting them with the singular, uniform doctrine of Scripture [5, 7]. This highlights the importance of grounding any non-biblical example or comparison in established biblical truth.
Sources
- 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 ”
- 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: 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:”
- King James Version “[KJV] Hebrews 6:1 — Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,”
- 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”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
- 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”