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Non-Biblical Examples in Understanding and Applying Biblical Teachings

The Bible frequently employs examples, both explicit and implicit, to convey its teachings and guide believers in their application. These examples serve as models for behavior, warnings against sin, and illustrations of spiritual truths.

One prominent category of biblical examples is the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is presented as the ultimate example for believers in numerous aspects. For instance, Christ set an example of self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38; Romans 15:3; Philippians 2:6-8), which is described as a test of devotedness to Him and necessary for following Him (Matthew 10:37-38; Luke 9:23-24) [1]. His life also exemplified sincerity (1 Peter 2:22) [4], intercessory prayer (Luke 22:32; 23:34; John 17:9-24) [5], and even early rising for devotion (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) [7]. The apostle Peter explicitly states that Christ left an example for believers to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21), and John records Jesus instructing His disciples to follow His example of service (John 13:15) [2].

Beyond Christ, the Bible offers examples from the lives of other individuals and groups. Pastors, for instance, are called to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) [2]. The prophets are presented as examples of suffering affliction and patience (James 5:10) [2]. Conversely, the experiences of the Jews serve as a warning (Hebrews 4:11) [2]. Figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, and Mary are noted for their practice of early rising, often in connection with devotion or duty (Genesis 19:27; 26:31; 28:18; Joshua 3:1; Judges 6:38; 1 Samuel 15:12; 17:20; Mark 16:2) [7].

The concept of "example" in the New Testament, derived from the Greek word parabole, can have a wide application. While it sometimes refers to short proverbs or enigmatic maxims, it also encompasses comparisons, similitudes, and illustrations of one subject by another [3]. This broad understanding suggests that biblical narratives, even those not explicitly labeled as "examples," can function as such for the reader.

The use of examples extends to the communication of spiritual truths. The apostle Paul, for instance, speaks of comparing spiritual things with spiritual things, which involves 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 [10]. This method of comparison allows for a deeper understanding of God's continuous work and revelation.

The Bible also uses examples to highlight the consequences of certain actions or attitudes. The "lusts of the flesh," for example, are frequently mentioned in connection with humanity's fallen nature (Ephesians 2:3; Romans 1:24; 3:9; 5:12; Galatians 5:16; 1 Peter 1:14; 2 Peter 2:10) [6]. These passages, through their descriptions of human sinfulness, implicitly serve as negative examples, warning against succumbing to such desires. Similarly, the concept of "early rising" is contrasted with its neglect, which is said to lead to poverty (Proverbs 6:9-11), while the wicked are shown to rise early for deceit or to execute evil plans (Proverbs 27:14; Micah 2:1) [7]. These contrasts provide clear examples of desirable and undesirable behaviors.

The importance of sincerity is another theme illustrated through examples. Christ is the ultimate example of sincerity (1 Peter 2:22), and ministers are called to emulate this (Titus 2:7) [4]. Sincerity is presented as being opposed to fleshly wisdom (2 Corinthians 1:12) and should characterize various aspects of a believer's life, including love for God and Christ, service to God, faith, love for one another, and overall conduct (2 Corinthians 8:8,24; Ephesians 6:24; Joshua 24:14; John 4:23,24; 1 Timothy 1:5; Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:18; 2 Corinthians 1:12) [4]. The preaching of the gospel itself should be characterized by sincerity (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5), and the doctrines of the gospel are inherently sincere (1 Peter 2:2) [4]. The absence of sincerity is noted in the wicked (Psalm 5:9) [4].

The New Testament writers often draw upon Old Testament narratives to provide examples for the early Christian communities. The author of Hebrews, for instance, contrasts the old covenant with the new, noting that the old covenant "worked wrath" because of humanity's failure to regard it, while the new covenant enables obedience through the Spirit's inward impulse [8]. This historical comparison serves as an example of God's progressive revelation and the superior nature of the new covenant.

The use of examples in biblical teaching is not merely illustrative but often prescriptive. When Christ sets an example, it is often accompanied by an expectation that His followers will imitate Him. For instance, His example of intercessory prayer is followed by a command for believers to engage in it for various groups, including kings, authorities, ministers, the Church, all saints, and even persecutors and enemies (1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 5:14,16; Matthew 5:44) [5]. This demonstrates how biblical examples are intended to shape the conduct and spiritual practices of believers.

The vastness of Christ's actions and teachings is such that not all could be recorded, as John notes, suggesting that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written if every detail were included (John 21:25) [9]. This statement underscores the richness of Christ's life as an example, even beyond what is explicitly documented in Scripture. The selective recording of events and teachings in the Bible implies that those included are particularly significant for instruction and edification.

Sources

  1. 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 ”
  2. 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).”
  3. 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”
  4. 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; ”
  5. 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 ”
  6. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 2:3 cross-references: Genesis 5:3, Genesis 6:5, Genesis 8:21, Job 14:4, Job 15:14, Job 25:4, Psalms 51:5, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 64:6, Daniel 9:5, Mark 4:19, Mark 7:21, John 1:13, John 3:1, John 8:44, Acts 14:16, Acts 17:30, Romans 1:24, Romans 3:9, Romans 3:22, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:12, Romans 7:18, Romans 8:7, Romans 9:22, Romans 11:30, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Galatians 2:15, Galatians 3:22, Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 4:17, Ephesians 4:22, 1 Timothy 6:9, Titus 3:3, James 4:1, 1 Peter 1:14, 1 Peter 2:10, 1 Peter 4:2, 2 Peter ”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  8. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 8:9: Not according to, &c.--very different from, and far superior to, the old covenant, which only "worked wrath" (Rom 4:15) through man's "not regarding" it. The new covenant enables us to obey by the Spirit's inward impulse producing love because of the forgiveness of our sins. made with--rather as Greek, "made to": the Israelites being only recipients, not coagents [ALFORD] with God. I took them by the hand--as a father takes his child by the hand to support and guide his steps. "There are three periods: (1) that of the promise; (2) that of the pedag”
  9. John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 21:25: And there are also many other things which Jesus did,.... Which refer not to his doctrines and discourses, his sermons and prayers, and the conversation he had with his disciples, and others, on different accounts; but to the signs, and wonders, and miraculous operations, which were done by him, that are neither recorded in this, nor in any of the evangelists: the which, if they should be written everyone; with all the particular circumstances relating to them: I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. The Arabic versi”
  10. 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:”
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