The Role of Commentaries For All Believers

Nobody can apply what they do not know.

Nobody can know what they do not learn. 

Nobody can learn what they do not study.

Nobody can learn what they are not taught.

Christians lets be honest.  Most of us struggle with “RTAC syndrome” (i.e. run-to-a-commentary).  I confess, when I owned my very first study bible, I found my eyes wandering down to the footnotes every time I picked up the Bible.  In fact, I caught myself reading the commentary more than I was reading the text itself!

My Dad always taught me to, “measure twice and cut once.”  I like to say, “lazy people work twice as hard.”  These principles apply to the Spiritual life.  If I fail to do the right work in Bible study (i.e. proper hermeneutics, exegesis and inductive bible study) I will spend an unnecessary (and perhaps frustrating) amount of time trying to get back on track, regain focus and properly interpret and apply a portion of  Scripture to my life and to the body of believers.

The Apostle Paul said, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV).  The ESV puts it another way, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

The point is there is much work and diligence that takes place before the word is preached, taught, or applied.  What I suggest here is that commentaries only come into the equation at the very end when all the proper work is done.  I want my thoughts about scripture to be “original.”  That is to say, I want my preaching, teaching, and writing to be a byproduct of much reading, studying, meditation, and prayer.  For me, I feel the urge to run to commentaries first when I want the answer right now.  But I might not even be getting “the answer” in reading a commentary.

I like to think of the work of exegesis as the search for a key (i.e. the “big idea” of a passage) that opens the door to the world of application.  It is a joy to find the primary meaning and then transition to a secondary application.  Once the exegesis is done and the proper steps of observation and interpretation have been made, it is time to consult what the body of Christ has concluded as well.  

Robert J. Sivigny’s approach to incorporating commentaries is the model for objective research.  He notes, “It is important to consult a variety of commentaries for exposure to different theological traditions such as Reformed, Dispensational, or Arminian.”1  Objectivity is difficult; especially in theology.  But with prayer and fasting, a Christian included to Reformed theology will benefit from reading Dispensational perspectives just as an Arminian will benefit from reading Calvin’s commentaries - so long as he or she is“doing their best to present themselves to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth (by consulting commentaries at the end).  

Happy studies to all!  Be Blessed.

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1. http://www.regent.edu/acad/undergrad/ctl/twr2005/Lessons1to4/Lesson2-UsingGoodBooks/LessonTwo7-UsingBibleCommentaries.htm

The Exegetical Assessment Tool 3.0.

Years ago led a Bible study and a visitor sat in.  She had many questions about eschatology and questioned my pre-millennial handling of various texts that came up.  Basically, she didn't like that I was teaching that Jesus would come and snatch up his Church before all hell broke loose.

Looking back, I confess that I spent too much time debating texts and chasing rabbits down fox holes.  At one point, I felt like I was taken back to 1998 when I was in Bible College arguing with a dorm room full of 18 year olds.  I was so, "over it."  And she never came back to fellowship with us either.  I think the enemy looked at that situation and said, "yes!  I got them to argue theology and nobody had time to confess and repent from any sin!  That's another win for me!  muahahahahahaha."  Something like that.

I'm getting ready to discuss a very difficult topic with a Bible study group.  They want to discuss some of the most debated passages in the history of the Church; one of which is James 2:14.  A passage so "difficult" that Martin Luther considered James the epistle of straw and tossed it out.  But it didn't have to end that way,  in my opinion.

Here's my approach and suggestion for discussing passages that have typically resulted in splits, divisions, and in worst cases anger and bitterness.  Approach the study using an Exegetical Assessment Tool.  It's simple.  It's objective.  And whoever is mishandling the text will either admit it and be silenced, or they will violate their conscience and there's nothing one can do in response.

I suggest beginning the study in prayer and supplication asking God to reveal himself and to give clarity to his Word using the context of Scripture in the surrounding verses, chapters, genres, and totality of Scripture.  Everyone must realize that when Iron sharpens Iron sparks fly, but we must also be aware of how the enemy might capitalize on that situation.

For every passage where one side cannot explain the text in its context (i.e. Who, Why, What, When, Where, How), then that passage must be put on a "visit next time" list.  What may happen is that there are only a few passages that will be taken into consideration.  John 3:16 may be a place to start and end.  It's simple, straight to the point, and it's Jesus speaking!

I would end the study in prayer and going around the group asking where hearts lay.  This is a time to be honest and not give the Devil a foothold.  Sin ALWAYS levels the playing field.  I will start off by exposing what needs to die in me.  And I will confess a specific stronghold that I am battling with. I will know it is "real" if I am reluctant to share.  God always answers my prayer when I ask, "Lord, what is my sin and what needs to be exposed and killed today."  I have no doubt he will deliver.

In the round table of confessions, there will be those who participate because they know their struggle is not with flesh and blood and they will be all in for the sake of killing their sin and glorifying God.  The others will choose shame, guilt, and condemnation as well as self-defense; making excuses as to why they don't need to confess sins.  At that point, they cannot be helped. If they say they are without sin, they lie and the truth is not in them.  They call God a liar and the situation is, as they say, "doneskis!"

All in all, the truth must be spoken in love.

Now go forth bravely into battle knowing that HE has won the war.  It is finished.