Establishing Biblical Foundation for Non-Scriptural Examples
The biblical foundation for using non-scriptural examples in Christian teaching and exhortation is rooted in the way the New Testament itself employs examples not drawn directly from Scripture. In Hebrews 6:1-2, the author lists "the principles of the doctrine of Christ," which include foundational teachings such as repentance from dead works and faith toward God. John Gill's commentary on this passage notes that these principles are part of the Gospel, which is "the doctrine of Christ" [4].
The use of non-scriptural examples is implicitly endorsed by the apostle Paul's method in Romans 4, where he uses Abraham's justification by faith as an illustration for all time of God's method of justification. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown comment that the events recorded in Scripture were not merely historical facts but were included "as illustrations for all time of God's method of justification by faith" [2]. This suggests that the biblical writers saw the value in using historical or contemporary examples to illustrate theological principles.
Jesus himself refers to non-scriptural sources in John 5:39, where he tells his listeners to "search the scriptures" but also implies that there is a broader context of understanding that is not limited to Scripture alone. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note that Jesus gives honor to the Scriptures as a record that all have a right to search, but this does not preclude the use of other sources or examples [3].
In John 5:45-47, Jesus mentions Moses as one who will accuse his listeners, indicating that figures and writings outside the immediate context of Jesus' teachings can serve as witnesses or examples. Here, Moses represents "the Law, the basis of the Old Testament Scriptures," and is seen as a figure who can be used to understand or judge one's actions [1].
The use of non-scriptural examples is also seen in the way the New Testament writers encourage believers to examine their own lives and conduct. In Galatians 6:4, believers are exhorted to "prove their own work" and compare themselves to the example of Christ, rather than to others. Adam Clarke comments that the "only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [5].
The New Testament thus establishes a precedent for using a variety of examples, both scriptural and non-scriptural, to illustrate Christian doctrine and encourage faithful living. The key is not the source of the example but whether it aligns with and illustrates the teachings of Christ and the broader message of Scripture.
The early Christian writers and commentators continued this practice, drawing on a range of sources to illustrate and apply Christian teachings. This approach reflects the understanding that God's revelation is not limited to the text of Scripture alone but is also seen in the lives of believers and the broader context of human experience.
In 1 John 5:9, the apostle notes the importance of accepting the witness of God, which is considered more reliable than human testimony. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown comment that the testimony of the Father is fundamental to the testimony of the Word and the Holy Spirit [6]. This underscores the idea that Christian teaching is grounded in a broader understanding of God's revelation and witness.
The biblical foundation for using non-scriptural examples thus lies in the New Testament's own use of diverse illustrations and the understanding that God's truth is not confined to the scriptural text. This approach allows for a rich and nuanced application of Christian teachings in various contexts.
Sources
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 5:45: Do not think I will accuse you to the Father--"My errand hither is not to collect evidence to condemn you at God's bar." one that accuseth you, even Moses, &c.--"Alas! that will be too well done by another, and him the object of all your religious boastings--Moses," here put for "the Law," the basis of the Old Testament Scriptures.”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 4:23: Now, &c.--Here is the application of this whole argument about Abraham: These things were not recorded as mere historical facts, but as illustrations for all time of God's method of justification by faith.”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 5:39: Search the scriptures, &c.--"In the Scriptures ye find your charter of eternal life; go search them then, and you will find that I am the Great Burden of their testimony; yet ye will not come to Me for that life eternal which you profess to find there, and of which they tell you I am the appointed Dispenser." (Compare Act 17:11-12). How touching and gracious are these last words! Observe here (1) The honor which Christ gives to the Scriptures, as a record which all have a right and are bound to search--the reverse of which the Church of Rome teaches; (2)”
- 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”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 5:9: If, &c.--We do accept (and rightly so) the witness of veracious men, fallible though they be; much more ought we to accept the infallible witness of God (the Father). "The testimony of the Father is, as it were, the basis of the testimony of the Word and of the Holy Spirit; just as the testimony of the Spirit is, as it were, the basis of the testimony of the water and the blood" [BENGEL]. for--This principle applies in the present case, FOR, &c. which--in the oldest manuscripts, "because He hath given testimony concerning His Son." What that testimo”