Should a Christian consult commentaries in Bible study?

Should a Christian listen to sermons? In one sense, commentaries are simply God’s Word taught by someone who is dead, or not speaking in the pulpit of your church. If one should not consult commentaries, reason should dictate that he should not listen to sermons either. If one should consult commentaries cautiously (and we should), reason should equally emphasize that we listen to sermons cautiously as well. May God deliver us from the pastor who sets himself up as the unquestionable authority on Biblical interpretation, but recognizes no one as a teaching authority in his own life.

The Berean Christians provide us with a terrific example (Acts 17:11).

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

….that when I saw the headline, I had to ask “we’re asking this? Seriously?”

But it appears to be a more significant issue, now that I think about the broader ecosystem….

In a full ministry schedule, commentaries can subtly serve as a quick “kind of spiritual Cliff Notes or patented answer key.” But a personal walk with Christ and a thoughtful study of Scripture directly must be a priority, providing a the proper backdrop for a responsible use of commentaries.

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law (Ps. 119:18).

Commentaries should never displace or overshadow the priority of a preacher’s personal devotion.