Interpreting Extrabiblical Examples for Biblical Truth
The Bible frequently employs extrabiblical examples and common human experiences to illuminate spiritual truths, a practice evident in various literary forms and theological discussions. This approach involves drawing analogies between observable phenomena or familiar concepts and deeper divine realities.
One prominent example is the use of parables, particularly by Jesus. A parable is a story that typically expresses an analogy between an everyday aspect of life and a spiritual truth [6]. The Greek word parabole signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or similitude [1]. To understand a parable, one must identify the central analogy and interpret it within its historical and Gospel context, rather than seeking speculative allegorical meanings in every detail [6]. For instance, the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) uses the common agricultural practice of sowing seeds to illustrate the varied responses to Jesus' message [6].
Beyond parables, the biblical text itself points to the natural world as a source for understanding divine attributes. Romans 1:20 states that "the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made" [8]. This suggests that the outward creation serves as an interpreter of faith in God, making an inner revelation of God an "intelligible and articulate conviction" through observation [8]. This principle indicates that general revelation, accessible through the created order, can inform and confirm aspects of special revelation found in Scripture.
The practice of comparing spiritual things with spiritual things is also noted in 1 Corinthians 2:13, where the Holy Spirit teaches by "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" [7]. This can involve expounding Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture by comparing it with the Gospel revealed by the same Spirit, and conversely, illustrating Gospel mysteries by comparing them with Old Testament types [7]. This internal biblical comparison functions similarly to drawing insights from extrabiblical examples, as it seeks to clarify one truth by relating it to another, albeit within the scriptural canon.
Biblical authors also reference common human experiences and wisdom traditions. For example, the concept of self-denial is illustrated by Christ's own example (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8) and is presented as a test of devotion and a necessary aspect of following Christ (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27-33) [2]. These examples, while rooted in Christ's life, resonate with broader human understanding of discipline and commitment. Similarly, the instruction "Be angry and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26) draws on the common human emotion of anger but directs it toward a righteous, sinless expression, cross-referencing passages that deal with managing anger and avoiding wrath (e.g., Psalms 4:4, Proverbs 14:29) [3, 4].
Even dreams, though sometimes used by God for direct revelation (Numbers 12:6; Job 33:15), are also acknowledged as often being imaginary or resulting from an "excess of business" (Ecclesiastes 5:3) [5]. This demonstrates a biblical awareness of both the potential for divine communication through extrabiblical means and the need for discernment regarding such experiences.
The use of extrabiblical examples is not about elevating external sources to the level of Scripture, but rather about leveraging universally understood concepts or experiences to make biblical truths more accessible and relatable. This method assumes a common ground of human experience and a created order that reflects divine wisdom, allowing for analogies that deepen understanding of God's character and purposes.
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”
- 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 ”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 4:26 cross-references: Exodus 11:8, Exodus 32:21, Numbers 20:10, Numbers 20:24, Numbers 25:7, Deuteronomy 24:15, 1 Samuel 20:34, Nehemiah 5:6, Psalms 4:4, Psalms 37:8, Psalms 106:30, Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 19:11, Proverbs 25:23, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Matthew 5:22, Mark 3:5, Mark 10:14, Romans 12:19, Ephesians 4:31, James 1:19”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 4:31 cross-references: Genesis 4:8, Genesis 27:41, Genesis 37:4, Genesis 37:21, Leviticus 19:16, 2 Samuel 13:22, 2 Samuel 19:27, 2 Samuel 19:43, Psalms 15:3, Psalms 50:20, Psalms 64:3, Psalms 101:5, Psalms 140:11, Proverbs 6:19, Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 10:18, Proverbs 14:17, Proverbs 18:8, Proverbs 19:12, Proverbs 25:23, Proverbs 26:20, Proverbs 26:24, Proverbs 29:9, Proverbs 29:22, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Jeremiah 6:28, Jeremiah 9:4, Acts 19:28, Acts 21:30, Acts 22:22, Romans 1:29, Romans 3:14, 1 Corinthians 5:8, 1 Corinthians 14:20, 2 Corinthians 12:20, Galatians 5:20, Ephesians 4:26, C”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Dreams — Visions in sleep -- Job 33:15; Da 2:28. Often by imaginary -- Job 20:8; Isa 29:8. Excess of business frequently leads to -- Ec 5:3. God's will often revealed in -- Nu 12:6; Job 33:15. False prophets Pretended to. -- Jer 23:25-28; 29:8. Not to be regarded in. -- De 13:1-3; Jer 27:9. Condemned for pretending to. -- Jer 23:32. Vanity of trusting to natural -- Ec 5:7. The ancients Put great faith in. -- Jdj 7:15. Often perplexed by. -- Ge 40:6; 41:8; Job 7:14; Da 2:1; 4:5. Anxious to have, explained. -- Ge 40:8; Da 2:3. Consulting magicians on. -- Ge 41:8; Da 2:”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:3: 13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.”
- 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:”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 1:20: For the invisible things of him from--or "since" the creation of the world are clearly seen--the mind brightly beholding what the eye cannot discern. being understood by the things that are made--Thus, the outward creation is not the parent but the interpreter of our faith in God. That faith has its primary sources within our own breast (Rom 1:19); but it becomes an intelligible and articulate conviction only through what we observe around us ("by the things which are made," Rom 1:20). And thus are the inner and the outer revelation of God the comp”