Using Non-Biblical Examples to Illustrate Biblical Teachings

The Bible often employs non-biblical examples and analogies to illustrate its teachings, a practice rooted in the nature of parables and similitudes. A parable, derived from the Greek word "parabole," signifies a comparison or placing beside, used to illustrate one subject by another ^[1]. Jesus frequently used everyday examples to convey spiritual truths, such as the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-23) or the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).

The use of non-biblical examples is not limited to parables. Biblical writers and teachers often drew from their surroundings and cultural context to explain complex spiritual concepts. For instance, the concept of self-denial is illustrated through Christ's example of not seeking personal gain or comfort (Matthew 4:8-10; 8:20; John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8) ^[2]. Similarly, the virtue of liberality is demonstrated through Christ's example of giving (2 Corinthians 8:9) and is encouraged towards various groups, including the poor and strangers ^[3].

The biblical writers also used non-biblical stories and historical events to drive home moral and spiritual lessons. The commentary on 1 John 3:8 notes that one becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by being born of him, highlighting the importance of actions and behavior in defining one's spiritual lineage ^[5]. This approach is consistent with the biblical emphasis on the importance of actions and behavior in reflecting one's faith.

The early church fathers and reformers continued this tradition of using non-biblical examples to illustrate biblical teachings. Calvin, in his commentary on Genesis, discusses the image of God in humanity and notes that while there are various interpretations, the simpler division into two parts (spirit and flesh) used in Scripture is more adapted to the sound doctrine of piety ^[6]. This demonstrates how non-biblical philosophical and theological concepts can be used to clarify biblical teachings.

Moreover, the use of non-biblical examples can serve as a warning against idolatry. Isaiah warns the Israelites not to be carried away by the sight of idolatry among the Babylonians during their captivity, emphasizing the corrupting influence of such practices ^[7]. This warning is reinforced by the biblical prohibition against idolatry, which includes not just the worship of other gods but also the use of images in worshipping the true God ^[4].

The practice of using non-biblical examples to illustrate biblical teachings is grounded in the biblical text itself and has been a part of Christian tradition and teaching throughout history. It allows for the communication of complex spiritual truths in a relatable and understandable manner. As John Gill notes, Jesus used earthly things and similes taken from human experiences to teach heavenly doctrines, making them more accessible to his audience ^[8].

The effectiveness of this approach is evident in the way it has been employed by biblical writers, early church fathers, and reformers. By drawing on everyday experiences and non-biblical examples, Christian teachers can convey the depth and richness of biblical teachings in a way that is both faithful to the text and relevant to their audience.

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: 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:”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Idolatry — Forbidden -- Ex 20:2,3; De 5:7. Consists in Bowing down to images. -- Ex 20:5; De 5:9. Worshipping images. -- Isa 44:17; Da 3:5,10,15. Sacrificing to images. -- Ps 106:38; Ac 7:41. Worshipping other gods. -- De 30:17; Ps 81:9. Swearing by other gods. -- Ex 23:13; Jos 23:7. Walking after other gods. -- De 8:19. Speaking in the name of other gods. -- De 18:20. Looking to other gods. -- Ho 3:1. Serving other gods. -- De 7:4; Jer 5:19. Fearing other gods. -- 2Ki 17:35. Sacrificing to other gods. -- Ex 22:20. Worshipping the true God by an image, & c. -- Ex 32:”
1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 5.31: and fourteenth books on the Trinity, also the eleventh book of the “City of God.” I acknowledge, indeed, that there is something in man which refers to the Father and the Son, and the Spirit: and I have no difficulty in admitting the above distinction of the faculties of the soul: although the simpler division into two parts, which is more used in Scripture, is better adapted to the sound doctrine of piety; but a definition of the image of God ought to rest on a firmer basis than such subtleties. As for myself, before I define the”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 3, section 8.32: we easily fall into it when any example is placed before our eyes. In consequence of mixing with the Babylonians during their captivity, the Jews were constrained to behold daily the basest examples of idolatry, and might be led away to wicked imitation. Isaiah therefore anticipates this at an early period, and warns them not to be carried away by the sight of such things. He asks, “Have they not been taught, and have they not learned who is God?” The greater part of commentators think that all the questions here put are a repetition of the s”
John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 3:11: If I have told you earthly things,.... Not that the doctrines he delivered were earthly ones; for he was not of the earth, but from heaven, and above all, and so spake not of the earth, but of heaven, Joh 3:31; and this doctrine of regeneration was an heavenly doctrine; and the thing itself required supernatural power, and grace from above: but either they were the more easy doctrines of the Gospel; or were delivered in a plain and easy style, and illustrated by similes taken from earthly things, as from human birth, from the water, and from the wind: and ye believe n”

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