How to Interpret the Bible: Specific, Generic, and Approved Examples

Introduction
As we approach the final lessons in our series on Bible interpretation, we return to the foundational truth that all biblical commands carry authority. God never gives a command without expecting obedience. But beyond understanding what God commands, we must learn how those commands are to be carried out—whether they are general or specific, and whether examples in Scripture bind us or simply illustrate what’s permitted.

Commands Impart Obligation
It may seem like common sense, but it must be said: commands come with obligations. If someone in authority gives a command, obedience is expected. The Bible contains countless commands—moral, religious, temporary, permanent—and every one of them implies duty. When God commands, we must obey. Just as a parent giving a grocery list expects only the listed items, God expects what He has specifically authorized—nothing more, nothing less.

Generic and Specific Commands
Some commands are specific, giving no room for personal discretion. Others are general and allow flexibility. The difference determines what is or isn’t authorized.

For instance, when Noah was told to build an ark, God specified gopher wood and gave exact dimensions. Noah had no authority to change the materials or size. However, God didn’t specify the tools Noah should use or who should help him, so those choices were left to Noah’s judgment.

Similarly, when Jesus commanded the apostles to preach, He specified what they must preach—the gospel—but didn’t limit how they were to do so. That’s why we can preach by radio, television, internet, or in person. The method was generic; the message was specific. We are authorized to go anywhere in the world, using any lawful method to preach the one true gospel.

The Lord’s Supper: A Case Study
The Lord’s Supper shows how specific and generic elements work together. Christians are commanded to partake of it in remembrance of Christ’s death. Jesus was specific: use unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:26–29). He was also specific about the day: the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). These elements and timing are binding.

However, the Bible does not specify what time of day on Sunday the Supper is to be taken or how it is to be distributed. Whether at morning or evening, passed down rows or picked up at the front—these are generic aspects. The symbolism is key: the bread represents Christ’s body; the fruit of the vine, His blood. Substituting these or changing the day is unauthorized worship.

Understanding Approved Examples
Examples in the New Testament show how early Christians obeyed God’s commands. These examples serve one of two purposes: they either illustrate required commands or demonstrate optional methods.

Some examples highlight essential truths. For instance, the first-day observance of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) shows a repeated practice connected to a divine command. That example becomes a binding pattern. Others are simply matters of expediency. Paul’s travel by boat or preaching till midnight (Acts 20:7–11) are not binding actions—they are optional ways of fulfilling a command.

We must never treat all examples as equally binding. Some Christians argue for practices based solely on examples with no spiritual principle behind them—such as only partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an upper room or meeting in homes instead of church buildings. But if no spiritual meaning is tied to the action, and no command is being illustrated, the example is not binding.

Examples That Illustrate but Do Not Bind
Lydia prayed by a river. Many were baptized in the Jordan. These are examples, but we are not required to replicate them. Jesus and the disciples observed the Last Supper in an upper room—but the location is not essential to the meaning of the event. Paul traveled by ship to preach, but walking or driving today is equally authorized. These details do not carry doctrinal weight; they simply show how commands were fulfilled.

Two Kinds of Examples
Some examples support or illustrate essential matters already taught elsewhere. For example, breaking bread on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) is in harmony with 1 Corinthians 16:2 and shows a pattern of weekly assembly. These examples are in the context of commands, giving them weight and setting a precedent for binding practice.

Other examples illustrate expedients—optional matters that fulfill a command without being required themselves. Paul walking or sailing is not binding; it simply shows a permissible method for obeying Jesus’ command to go into all the world. Examples of expedients help us understand what is permissible, but they do not create new obligations.

Principles to Identify Binding Examples
To determine whether an example is binding:

1. Does it illustrate an essential command?
2. Is the action consistently practiced by the early church?
3. Is there a spiritual or doctrinal principle connected to the practice?
4. Is it affirmed or endorsed by an inspired writer? If the answer is yes to these, the example carries binding authority. If not, it likely illustrates what is permitted but not required.

Conclusion
To respect God’s authority, we must rightly divide between what is commanded, what is generic or specific, and what is an example. Examples can bind only when they show us how to fulfill a command. Otherwise, they may simply illustrate what is permitted. Careful, prayerful study is essential to discern what God requires. When God specifies, we must not substitute. When He is silent, we must not presume.

Sermon Outline: How the Bible Authorizes – Commands, Generics, and Examples

1. Introduction: Why Interpretation Matters

• The Bible is our only standard of authority.
• Misinterpreting how authority is expressed leads to division and error.

2. Commands Imply Duty

• Every divine command carries obligation.
• Like a grocery list: you’re responsible for what’s on the list, not what’s not.

3. Specific and Generic Authority

• Specifics limit; generics allow options within the command.
• Noah: Specific (gopher wood, dimensions); Generic (tools, location).
• Apostles: Specific (gospel); Generic (how/where to preach).

4. The Lord’s Supper: Case Study in Specifics and Generics

• Commanded on first day of the week.
• Elements: unleavened bread, fruit of vine—specific.
• Time of day, how it’s distributed—generic.

5. Examples: Binding or Not?

• Examples illustrate how early Christians obeyed commands.
• Some are binding because they illustrate spiritual principles tied to commands.
• Others simply show permissible methods (Paul’s travels, meeting places).

6. Two Kinds of Examples

• Binding: Supported by command, repeated practice, and spiritual principle.
• Optional: Methods that fulfill a command but do not themselves impose obligation.

7. Principles for Determining Binding Examples

• Does the example illustrate a command?
• Is it repeated in Scripture?
• Does it carry a doctrinal meaning or endorsement?

8. Application and Warning

• Don’t add to or take away from God’s word.
• Do not bind what God has not bound.
• Avoid unauthorized worship (e.g., substituting grape soda or crackers in communion).

Call to Action
Let us approach the Word of God with reverence and care. Let us obey only what God has authorized, neither going beyond nor falling short. Study deeply. Think critically. And above all, honor the Lord in everything by seeking His will through His Word alone.