The Epistles to the Hebrews

134  The Ep i s t l e to the Hebrews : Par t I

Appendix 35 Typology Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Walter A. Elwell (ed.) Baker Books: Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1984. pp. 1117-1119 From the Greek word for form or pattern, which in biblical times denoted both the original model or prototype and the copy that resulted. In the NT the latter was labeled the antitype, and this was especially used in two directions: (1) the correspondence between two historical situations like the flood and baptism (I Pet. 3:21) or two figures like Adam and Christ (Rom. 5:14); (2) the correspondence between the heavenly pattern and its earthly counterpart, e.g., the divine original behind the earthly tent/ tabernacle (Acts 7:44; Heb. 8:5; 9:24). There are several categories – persons (Adam, Melchizedek), events (flood, brazen serpent), institutions (feast), places (Jerusalem, Zion), objects (altar of burnt offering, incense), offices (prophet, priest, king). In addition we might note the parallel use of image along with type to denote a moral example to be followed. This latter is an important part of the NT stress on imitation of the divinely ordained pattern exemplified first in Christ (John 13:15; I Pet. 2:21), then in the apostolic band (Phil. 3:17; II Thess. 3:9), the leaders (I Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7; I Pet. 5:3), and the community itself (I Thess. 1:7). As such all believers are to consider themselves models or patterns of the Christlike life. It is important to distinguish types from symbol and allegory. A symbol has a meaning apart from its normal semantic field and goes beyond it to stand for an abstract concept, e.g., cross = life, fire = judgment. Allegory is a series of metaphors in which each one adds an element to form a composite picture of the message, e.g., in the good shepherd allegory (John 10) each part carries meaning. Typology, however, deals with the principle of analogous fulfillment. A symbol is an abstract correspondence, while a type is an actual historical event or person. An allegory compares two distinct entities and involves a story or extended development of figurative expressions while a type is a specific parallel between two historical entities; the former is indirect and implicit, the latter direct and explicit. Therefore, biblical typology involves an analogical correspondence in which earlier events, persons, and places in salvation history become patterns by which later events and the like are interpreted.