Should We Ever Follow Examples Found In Historical Narratives?

All believers I know of think we ought to follow Paul’s example found in Gal 2:20. All Christians should let Christ live in (through) them, not just Paul. And all believers also think we should emulate the good example of the Bereans in the “historical narrative” found in Acts 17:11. By calling the Bereans “noble” for checking what Paul preached against the scriptures, it is God’s way of telling us to do the same, to emulate their example; everyone can see this. So every believer thinks we should follow some New Testament examples; the only question is which ones?

Wouldn’t the same be true for the example found in the Acts 20:7 historical narrative? Isn’t God trying to show us how we should worship God today by telling us how true disciples worshipped God back then? And don’t the following passages actually command us to follow examples such as Acts 17:11 and 20:7?:

Phil 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

I Cor 4:16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me. (NKJV)

Phil 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. (NKJV)

II Thess 3:7,9 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us … Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us

I Cor 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (NKJV)

Heb 6:12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (NKJV)

I Thess 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord

Are we free to disregard these commands from God?

Doesn’t loving and respecting God mean we should try to follow His word carefully (John 14:15)? So ask yourself this question: If we are following Acts 20:7 carefully, how often would the congregation want to come together for the Lord’s Supper / communion?

Back to Acts 17:11, have you ever noticed this approved example is not in a church assembly setting? Yet many Christians who insist we should follow this example are not consistent; they only think we need to follow the example in the church. But what about at weddings and funerals where the Bible is being taught? Shouldn’t we follow Acts 17:11 then also? If not, why not? Isn’t it our obligation to make sure what we are being taught from the Bible (anytime) actually matches up with the Bible (Matt 15:14)?

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