Distinction Between Principles and Examples in Biblical Application
The Bible often presents both overarching principles and specific examples, and distinguishing between them is crucial for proper biblical application. Principles are foundational truths or doctrines, while examples are specific instances or illustrations of those truths in action.
The concept of "principles" in a biblical context refers to fundamental elements or rudiments. For instance, the author of Hebrews speaks of "the principles of the doctrine of Christ," urging believers to move beyond these foundational teachings to maturity [3]. These principles are described as "the rudiments of the beginning of" Christian understanding [8]. John Gill, a Baptist commentator, interprets these principles as the "easier parts of the Gospel," which, while important, should not be the sole focus of a believer's spiritual diet [7]. Similarly, Easton's Bible Dictionary defines "elements" in a secondary sense as the "first principles of any art or science," applying this to the "rudiments of religious teaching" that existed before Christ [2]. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, summarizes Christian behavior with two guiding principles: doing everything for the glory of God and avoiding giving offense to others [9]. These principles are not tied to specific situations but are broad directives for conduct [9].
"Examples," on the other hand, are specific instances that illustrate or reinforce these principles. The Greek word parabole, often translated as "parable," signifies a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [1]. The New Testament uses "example" in various contexts: Christ serves as an example for believers in His suffering and actions [4, 5, 6]. Pastors are called to be examples to their flocks [4]. The experiences of the Jews in the Old Testament are presented as warnings or examples for later generations [4]. The prophets also provide examples of enduring affliction [4]. For instance, Christ's intercessory prayer is given as an example to be followed [5]. His sincerity is also highlighted as an example [6]. These examples provide concrete demonstrations of how principles can be lived out, offering models for behavior or warnings against certain actions [4].
Therefore, while principles provide the underlying theological framework and ethical guidelines, examples offer practical demonstrations and historical precedents for understanding and applying those principles in daily life.
Sources
- 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”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Elements — In its primary sense, as denoting the first principles or constituents of things, it is used in 2 Pet. 3:10: "The elements shall be dissolved." In a secondary sense it denotes the first principles of any art or science. In this sense it is used in Gal. 4:3, 9; Col. 2:8, 20, where the expressions, "elements of the world," "week and beggarly elements," denote that state of religious knowledge existing among the Jews before the coming of Christ, the rudiments of religious teaching. They are "of the world," because they are made up of types which appeal to the”
- 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,”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
- 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; ”
- 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”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 5:12: for the time--considering the long time that you have been Christians. Therefore this Epistle was not one of those written early. which be the first principles--Greek, "the rudiments of the beginning of." A Pauline phrase (see on Gal 4:3; Gal 4:9). Ye need not only to be taught the first elements, but also "which they be." They are therefore enumerated Heb 6:1-2 [BENGEL]. ALFORD translates, "That someone teach you the rudiments"; but the position of the Greek, "tina," inclines me to take it interrogatively, "which," as English Version, Syriac, Vulga”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 10:31: 10:31-33 Paul concludes his discussion by summarizing the two principles that are to guide Christian behavior in issues like this: (1) Believers are to do everything for the glory of God (see Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:11); (2) believers are not to give offense and should avoid doing anything that would harm another person’s Christian faith (cp. 1 Cor 8:9, 13; 1 Jn 2:10). Christians’ behavior is to be guided by what is best for others rather than by personal privilege (cp. Rom 14:13-15, 19-21; 15:1-2). These two basic principles lie at the heart of Paul’s advice on”