Using Non-Scriptural Examples Without Diluting Scripture's Authority
Using Non-Scriptural Examples in Christian Teaching
The use of non-scriptural examples in Christian teaching is a practice that has been employed by various Christian traditions to illustrate biblical principles and moral lessons. One such example is found in the writings of John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox Church Father, who referenced Hercules in his homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians to illustrate the idea of "purging the world" of evil [5]. This approach is not unique to Chrysostom; other Christian leaders have also used non-biblical examples to convey spiritual truths.
The biblical basis for using non-scriptural examples can be seen in the apostle Peter's exhortation to be "examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3) [1]. While Peter's instruction is directed towards church leaders, the principle of demonstrating Christian character through example is applicable to all believers. The use of non-scriptural examples can serve as a means of communicating this character and the associated biblical principles to a wider audience.
In the Presbyterian tradition, commentators like Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown have drawn parallels between biblical teachings and non-biblical concepts. For instance, in their commentary on 1 John 3:8, they reference Augustine's interpretation that one becomes a "child of the devil" by imitating him, not by birth [3]. This illustrates how Christian teachers have used non-scriptural analogies to explain complex biblical ideas.
However, the use of non-scriptural examples must be done carefully to avoid diluting the authority of Scripture. The Protestant academic tradition emphasizes the importance of understanding the biblical text within its historical and cultural context. For example, the Tyndale House commentary on Psalms 19:13 notes that the psalmist's reference to "presumptuous sins" highlights the need for individuals to acknowledge and repent of their deliberate transgressions [4]. This focus on the biblical text ensures that non-scriptural examples serve to illuminate, rather than supplant, scriptural teachings.
The key to using non-scriptural examples effectively lies in maintaining the primacy of Scripture while leveraging external illustrations to facilitate understanding and application. As the biblical text itself is considered "given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16) [2], any non-scriptural examples used in Christian teaching should be seen as supplementary to, rather than substitutes for, the authority of Scripture.
Sources
- I Peter “I Peter 5:3 (Webster) — Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
- 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”
- 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”
- 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).”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: Hercules, who is represented as “purging the world” of monsters and oppressors; Soph. Trach . 1078. ed. Musgrave. the world, and everywhere both by sea and land sowing the Gospel. [3.] Ver. 4 . “And my speech and my preaching was not in persuasive words of wisdom:” that is, had not the wisdom from without. Now if the doctrine preached had nothing subtle, and they that were called were unlearned, and he that preached was of the same description, and thereto was added persecution, and trembling and fear; tell me, how did they overcome without Divin”