Using Extrabiblical Examples to Illustrate Biblical Truths Safely

The use of extrabiblical examples to illustrate biblical truths involves drawing parallels between concepts found in scripture and those observed in the wider world or other bodies of knowledge. This practice can be a valuable tool for understanding and communicating biblical principles, much like how parables function by placing one subject beside another for comparison ^[1].

Biblical texts themselves frequently employ illustrations and comparisons to convey complex ideas. For instance, the Greek word parabole, translated as "parable," signifies "placing beside or together," a comparison, or an illustration of one subject by another ^[1]. This term was broadly applied in the New Testament to various forms of communication, from short proverbs to dark prophetic utterances and enigmatic maxims ^[1]. The Old Testament also uses expanded metaphors and comparisons to teach ^[1]. This suggests an inherent biblical precedent for using relatable examples to illuminate truth.

When considering extrabiblical examples, it's important to ensure they genuinely align with and clarify biblical teachings rather than distorting them. For example, the concept of "self-denial" is a core biblical truth, exemplified by Christ himself (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8) and presented as necessary for following Christ and for the triumph of saints (Luke 14:27-33; 1 Corinthians 9:25-27) ^[2]. An extrabiblical example of self-denial, such as an athlete foregoing certain pleasures for the sake of a championship, could illustrate the discipline and focus required, provided it is clear that the ultimate goal for believers is spiritual and eternal, not merely temporal.

Similarly, "sincerity" is a virtue emphasized in scripture, with Christ as its ultimate example (1 Peter 2:22) ^[3]. It should characterize love for God and Christ, service to God, faith, love for one another, and overall conduct (Joshua 24:14; Romans 12:9; Ephesians 6:24; 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Peter 1:22) ^[3]. An extrabiblical example of sincerity, such as a craftsman dedicated to their work, could highlight the commitment and authenticity expected, while still emphasizing that biblical sincerity is rooted in a relationship with God and opposed to fleshly wisdom (2 Corinthians 1:12) ^[3].

The concept of "liberality" is another biblical truth, pleasing to God and exemplified by Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:7) ^[4]. It is a characteristic of saints and should be exercised in service to God, toward other believers, servants, the poor, strangers, and even enemies (Exodus 35:21-29; Deuteronomy 15:11-14; Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:10) ^[4]. An extrabiblical example of philanthropy or generosity could illustrate the outward action, but it must be contextualized by the biblical understanding that true liberality is unprofitable without love (1 Corinthians 13:3) and is motivated by God's grace ^[4].

Care must be taken to avoid misrepresenting biblical truths through extrabiblical comparisons. For instance, while all human beings are born sinners (Psalm 58:3, 51:5), the godly fight against their sinful nature, unlike the wicked who indulge it (Romans 7:19-23; James 4:1-10) ^[5]. Sin is not merely a mistake but can be a deliberate act of insolence or rebellion against God (Psalm 19:13, 32:1) ^[7]. The first sin, for example, was not simply eating fruit, but involved self-love, dishonor to God, ingratitude, and disobedience ^[6]. Extrabiblical examples of human failing or error should not dilute the biblical understanding of sin as a profound spiritual rebellion that incurs God's holy wrath (Romans 1:18) ^[8].

Furthermore, while extrabiblical examples can illustrate aspects of human experience, they should not be used to diminish the unique claims of biblical revelation. The Scriptures are described as "wonderful" in their authorship, content, and utility, testifying to God's mind and will, and revealing marvelous works of creation, providence, and miracles ^[10]. John Calvin, for example, emphasized the utility and clarity of biblical history, laboring to make the doctrine of the Law familiarly known ^[9]. Extrabiblical illustrations should serve to illuminate these unique biblical truths, not to replace or relativize them. The ultimate authority and source of truth remain the Scriptures themselves.

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 ”
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; ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 3.9: far I have treated briefly, as the occasion required, of the utility of this History. 29 29 Touchant l’utilite de l’histoire contenue au livre de Genese . — Touching the utility of the history contained in the Book of Genesis. — French Tr. As for the rest, I have labored — how skilfully I know not, but certainly faithfully — that the doctrine of the Law, the obscurity of which has heretofore repelled many, may become familiarly known. There will be readers, I doubt not, who would desire a more ample explication of particular passag”
Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:125: PE.--The Seventeenth Part. PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful,.... The Scriptures, which testify of God, his mind and will, are wonderful both with respect to the author of them, the things contained in them, and the use and advantage of them. They give an account of the wonderful works of creation; of their author and matter; of the manner, order, and time of their being wrought: they relate many wonderful events of Providence, both in a way of mercy and judgment; they declare several surprising miracles, wrought by Moses and others, and exhibit many marvellous t”

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