Mathematics was not my strong suit at school. My method when confronting a problem was to consider it briefly but invariably turn to the back of the book to find ‘the answer.’ I would then happily write it down and move on. Needless to say my career in mathematics was short-lived!
This is often how we use commentaries and the notes in our study Bibles. We read away, and then, when we find something we don’t understand, we consult the expert to find our answer.
There are times when we might profitably use a commentary in this way, (e.g. to find out more about the geography of a place, or the meaning of an ancient custom). But we’ll get a lot more out of commentaries if we: (i) spend some more time thinking about the passage by itself for a while; (ii) think of commentaries as conversation partners and tour guides that can help us with our journey of discovery.
Here are some tips on how to get started:
1. Start by Praying
Our ultimate confidence in reading the Bible is not in ourselves and our great comprehension skills – but in the Holy Spirit. He’s the one who enlightens our hearts and enables us to understand and receive God’s inspired (i.e. Spirit-breathed) word. He’s the one who makes it possible for us to understand God’s word about God’s Son (e.g. 1Corinthians 2:14-16).
We need to ask God for his Spirit to help us. As we read the Bible, we should keep on praying for ourselves, our churches, and for those whom God gives us opportunities to encourage.
2. Be a Regular Member of a Bible Teaching Christ Proclaiming Church
God’s word has been given to his people. That means that it’s important for us to submit to the Scriptures together. We need to pray for one another and for the world. We need to keep each other accountable and encourage one another (e.g. 1Timothy 4:11-16; 2Timothy 3:10-4:5; Hebrews 10:19-25).
3. Get a Bible that Doesn’t Have Study Notes
It’s just too tempting to resort to the “answers” at the bottom of the page. Keep your study Bible, but use it as you would another commentary (see below).
4. Read the Whole Bible-Book at Least Once
This way you start to build up a picture of why God has given us this book of the Bible. Then, when you have finished, return to the individual passage.
5. Read the Passage Several Times
As you do, you might try noting questions raised by the passage and things that strike you. You could find it helpful to attempt a summary sentence of what you think the passage is about.
6. Read the Commentary
Now that you are finally ready to open the commentary, try to think of it as a conversation partner. Don’t assume that it has all the answers. Instead, let it direct your attention to details you missed. Notice the way it presents the structure of the Bible book – see if your own understanding needs to be updated.
Sometimes a commentary might be able to articulate and explain a “gut feeling” that you had but weren’t able to express. Then again you might critique their conclusions in the light of what you read in the Bible.
Whatever you find, remember that the best kind of commentary will drive you back to the Scriptures and fuel your desire to feed more on God’s word.
Some Final Comments
If you do use a commentary it is a good idea to read the introduction first. This will give you a sense of the ‘big picture’ of a book, and highlight some of the issues that you may need to do more work on. It will also reveal to you where the writer is coming from theologically. For example, you might work out that they don’t believe the Scriptures are inspired by God. This will help you to be discerning in the way that you learn from them.
Finally, remember not to believe everything you read in commentaries. Just because something is in print doesn’t mean that it’s true (that goes doubly for what we read on the internet).
Photo: Samantha Sophia, Unsplash
