How To Interpret The Bible:  Examples and Necessary Inference

Introduction
Not all biblical examples are created equal. Some illustrate commands and carry binding authority, while others merely describe what happened without imposing obligation. This lesson explores the difference, offering essential tools to discern binding examples, understand necessary inference, and rightly divide the word of truth. Knowing how the Bible authorizes is key to obedience.

The Nature of Biblical Examples
Not every action in Scripture is meant to be imitated. The Bible includes examples of what Christians did, but not all were intended to bind future believers. For an example to be authoritative, it must illustrate a command or principle taught elsewhere in Scripture. Peter preaching in Acts 2 fulfills Jesus' command to preach the gospel, as found in Mark 16:15. In contrast, the apostles speaking in different languages at once is not a binding pattern; there is no command it fulfills.

Differentiating Binding from Non-Binding Examples
Binding examples support an existing command. Non-binding examples show permissible methods or events without doctrinal obligation. In Acts 20:7, Christians met on the first day of the week to break bread. This is a binding example as it connects to the command to assemble and remember the Lord. However, preaching until midnight or meeting in an upper room are not doctrinal requirements; they simply describe what occurred.

The Principle Behind the Example
We must ask whether there is a spiritual command or principle being fulfilled by the example. If yes, the example carries authority. Paul’s various travel methods—walking or sailing—fulfilled the command to preach. But the method was optional. Lydia prayed by the river, but the river was incidental and not required.

Misusing Examples
Binding what God has not bound is just as dangerous as ignoring what He has commanded. Insisting on meeting in an upper room or praying only by rivers misuses biblical examples. Paul's varied lengths of stay in towns were situational and not binding for today’s ministers.

Necessary Inference Defined
A necessary inference is a conclusion that must be true based on the given text. It is not mere opinion but a logical, scriptural certainty. For example, if Jesus “came up out of the water” in Mark 1:10, He must have gone into the water, making immersion a necessary inference. In Acts 8:35–36, Philip preached Jesus, and the eunuch asked about baptism. The necessary inference is that preaching Jesus includes teaching about baptism.

Necessary vs. Unwarranted Inferences
Not all inferences are valid. An inference must be supported by the text and be the only possible conclusion. In Acts 18:1, Paul went from Athens to Corinth. Inferring he traveled by boat may be true—but it’s not a necessary inference, as he could have gone by land.

Faulty Inference Examples
In Acts 16:31, Paul says, “Believe… and you will be saved.” Some infer belief alone saves. But verses 32–33 show they were baptized immediately—belief included obedience. In Romans 8:1, “There is no condemnation to those in Christ” is often quoted to support eternal security. But the full verse shows continued walking after the Spirit is required, clarifying the condition for remaining uncondemned.

Importance of Immediate Baptism
Many examples show immediate baptism, including the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, the Philippian jailer in Acts 16, and Saul in Acts 22. These inferences are binding and instructional. If baptism were unimportant, there would be no urgency. Yet Scripture repeatedly connects baptism to obedience in the moment of conviction.

Summary and Warning
Approved examples and necessary inference are legitimate means of divine authority. But false inferences and unbinding examples create confusion and division. We must be cautious not to bind where God has not, nor ignore what He clearly teaches. Revelation 22:18–19 warns against adding to or taking away from God’s word.

Sermon Outline: Authority from Examples and Inference

1. The Bible's Pattern of Authority

• Authority is established through commands, approved examples, and necessary inferences.
• Each method is biblically grounded and used by inspired writers.

2. Understanding Biblical Examples

• Some examples are meant to bind because they fulfill divine commands (e.g., Acts 20:7 and weekly Lord’s Supper).
• Other examples are cultural or situational and do not carry binding force (e.g., meeting in upper rooms).

3. Distinguishing Binding from Non-Binding Examples

• Ask: Does the example illustrate a moral, spiritual, or religious command?
• If yes, it carries authority. If not, it is optional.

4. Proper Use and Misuse of Examples

• Examples like Paul's varied travel methods are not binding.
• Binding what God has not bound leads to legalism.
• Ignoring true patterns leads to disobedience.

5. The Role of Necessary Inference

• Necessary inferences are conclusions that must be true.
• They are not optional or speculative, but essential to understanding truth.
• Examples: Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1:10), Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), urgency of baptism.

6. Dangers of False Inference

• Inferring belief alone saves (Acts 16:31) contradicts the context.
• Misapplying Romans 8:1 to claim eternal security ignores the full condition.

7. Application for Today

• Study the examples carefully: is there a command behind them?
• Test every inference: is it necessary or just possible?
• Apply what is required, avoid binding what is not.

Call to Action
Let us grow in wisdom and discernment as we study God’s word. Do not treat every example as law, nor dismiss those that illustrate divine truth. Seek the principle behind the pattern, the command behind the example, and the truth behind every necessary inference. Honor God by rightly dividing His word and obeying it with faith and humility.