Evaluating Non-Scriptural Examples in Theological Discussions
The Bible is considered by many Christian traditions to be the inspired Word of God, given by the Holy Spirit [1]. It is the primary source for theological discussion and the foundation for Christian doctrine [1, 6]. However, theological discussions sometimes incorporate non-scriptural examples, which can include historical events, philosophical arguments, scientific findings, or cultural observations. The use and evaluation of such examples depend on their purpose and how they relate to the authority of Scripture.
Scripture itself provides examples of its own authority and sufficiency. Jesus frequently appealed to the Scriptures, teaching out of them and sanctioning their authority [1]. The Apostle Paul likewise emphasized the divine inspiration of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16) [1]. Early Christian practice, following Jewish tradition, involved public reading of Scripture in congregations [4]. The New Testament Gospels and Epistles were recognized as inspired and read alongside the Old Testament [4].
While Scripture is foundational, non-scriptural examples can serve various functions in theological discourse:
- Illustration and Clarification: Non-scriptural examples can illustrate biblical truths or make complex theological concepts more accessible. For instance, Paul, when addressing the thinkers in Athens, quoted writers familiar to his audience to engage them and show the relevance of the Gospel [5]. This demonstrates a method of dialoguing with existing cultural and intellectual frameworks to present Christian messages [5].
- Contextualization: Understanding the historical, cultural, or philosophical context in which biblical texts were written or in which theological doctrines developed can be aided by non-scriptural information. This can help in critiquing assumptions and offering constructive alternatives rooted in Christian teaching [5].
- Apologetics: In defending the Christian faith, non-scriptural arguments or evidence from philosophy, history, or science can be employed to demonstrate the reasonableness or coherence of Christian claims to those outside the faith.
- Practical Application: Non-scriptural examples can help in applying biblical principles to contemporary situations or ethical dilemmas not directly addressed in Scripture. For example, while the Bible provides principles for sincerity in love, service, and conduct [2], specific modern scenarios might require drawing on broader wisdom to apply these principles effectively.
However, the use of non-scriptural examples must be carefully evaluated to ensure they do not undermine or contradict biblical authority. The Apostle Paul warned against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" that diverge from the uniform doctrine of the Scriptures [6]. John Gill, in his commentary on Hebrews, notes that the doctrine of the Scriptures is "uniform, and all of a piece," contrasting it with the varied doctrines of men [6].
The "Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary" on 1 Corinthians 2:13 speaks to "comparing spiritual things with spiritual," which it interprets as expounding Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture by comparing it with the Gospel revealed by the same Spirit, and illustrating Gospel mysteries by comparing them with Old Testament types [3]. This suggests an internal consistency within Scripture that serves as the primary interpretive framework.
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”
- 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; ”
- 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:”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 17:16: 17:16-34 In this chapter, we see Paul presented as a model witness for Christ, engaging the thinkers of his day and challenging them with the Christian message. Paul quoted writers his audience would be familiar with and showed the relevance of the gospel by dialoguing with them, critiquing their assumptions, and offering Jesus as a constructive alternative (see Col 1:28). Paul reminded these proud intellectuals that there is a living God to whom all human beings are answerable; that they will be judged by him through Jesus, whom God raised from the dead; and that ”
- 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”