DEEPER RESOURCES FOR BIBLE STUDY: COMMENTARIES.
WHAT IS A COMMENTARY?
A commentary is a helpful book that offers insight on a specific book of the Bible. They are written by a scholar or a team of scholars who study the book of the Bible thoroughly. Such Scholars often translate the book from the original language. They also study the historical background in a way that would take most of us a lifetime. Then, the team thoughtfully compiles helpful insights for readers that include details of the language and historical context that is generally not possible to know by just reading the text.
SHOULD I READ A COMMENTARY?
Maybe. Commentaries can't replace the power of a raw reading of the Bible itself. The Holy Spirit isn't promised to illuminate commentaries but God's Word itself. This is why we're starting a Bible reading plan as a church in January. You should first learn everything you can from the Bible itself. You need the nutritious intake of the unfiltered Scriptures.
Before you turn to a commentary:
Pray and ask God to illuminate the passage.
Mark up the passage with a pen.
Read the passage multiple times.
Read the cross references (related verses in the margins.)
Read the whole book for context.
After you've exhausted this foundational standards of reading the Bible, then commentaries can be a powerful resource.
This is when outside study is helpful. Paul himself was one of the most learned men in antiquity (Acts 26:24). We should listen to sermons, read books, and study commentaries because it's foolish to function without counsel as the soul interpretive authority over Scripture (Proverbs 18:1, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 11:14)
So what commentaries are solid? Some of my favorite and most trusted series are:
Pillar Commentary Series - Scholarly, conservative insightful, dealing with history and language.
NIV Application Series - This is a great series. They are thorough, in-depth commentaries focused on original meaning and contemporary significance.
Christ Centered Exposition - These are solid but concise commentaries, dealing with context and offering simple interpretation.
Preaching The Word Series - Kent Hughs is easily one of the most trusted and impressive thinkers who put together this valuable series. There’s old a new prints. I recommend hunting for the modern looking white style covers if you plan to put them on your shelf!
Tyndale Commentary Series - Short but thorough commentaries by scholars. The commentary might vary in theological viewpoint. Do research on each author.
Not every series has a commentary on every book of the Bible so you’ll need to do some digging. You can also explore my favorite Bible study website which features countless trusted bible teachers teaching on audio and video through books and theological topics.