Teaching Tool of Comparison and Contrast

The Teaching Tools of Scripture

A Comparison is a representation of one thing as similar or like another. Comparisons in Scripture include man made in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27); the Father and the Son (Joh 5:19, 23; 1 Joh 2:23); disciples who are like their teacher (Luk 6:40); a good tree which produces good fruit (Mat 7:17).

A Contrast is a representation of one thing as dissimilar or opposite to another. Contrasts in Scripture include Cain and Abel (Heb 11:4); Isaac and Ishmael (Gen 21:9-10); Jacob and Esau (Mal 1:2-3); the righteous and the wicked (Psalm 1); the wise and the foolish (Pro 14:1).

As well, seeming opposites fall under this category. Examples of seeming opposites in Scripture are the Word and the Spirit (1 Cor 2:4, Eph 6:17); Grace and Law (Joh 1:17); Faith and Works (Rom 9:32, Jam 2:17-18). I say they are seeming opposites, that is, they only appear to be opposites of each other to an uncritical mind. The contrast between them shines a spotlight on each, which, when examined, reveals their comparisons.

Examples:
Genesis 6:9-7:24, Teaching tool of comparison/ contrast
Genesis 9:18-29, The power of a parent’s words
Genesis 18, The three men who came to Abraham
Exodus 15:22-17:7, Chiastic structure
Deuteronomy 7:12-26, Because His people love YHVH
Psalm 119:81-88, Reverse Parallelism
Proverbs 22, The rod of correction contrasted with the rod of anger
Matthew 15, Unbelief contrasted with great faith
Luke 17, Expanded Chiastic structure
Philippians 3, Being earthly- or heavenly-minded
3 John 1, Chiastic structure