What are Bible Commentaries and Why You Need Them

130+ FREE Bible Commentaries included

One of the finest methods to explore the specifics of Scripture is through Bible commentaries. However, the overwhelming quantity of commentary in varied sizes has overwhelmed you (some are over a thousand pages).

What are Bible Commentaries?

Bible commentaries are collections of observations and interpretations about a biblical text that are often structured chronologically. Commentaries frequently cover a single book of the Bible. However, they can also focus on a specific area (e.g., the Passion Narratives) or encompass numerous books of the same genre (e.g., the Pastoral Epistles).

Most commentaries begin with an introduction that covers who authored the book and when it was written, the historical context, the intended audience, and how the book fits into the overall plot and themes of the Bible. The structure and primary ideas of the book are usually highlighted in the introduction.

Most commentaries then go through the book verse by verse or section by section, examining critical points in the text. A commentary might include intellectual analysis, lay-level interpretation, application, or everything in between.

How can a Bible commentary help YOU?

A Bible commentary is not a replacement for the Bible, but here are three ways it might help you study the Word:

1. They can help you to learn new things.

   One method of using a commentary is to read it alongside Scripture. Begin by examining a section and thinking about any questions or takeaways you have, then flip to the commentary to discover what more riches you may uncover in that passage.

2. They can help you fill knowledge gaps.

   Another method to utilize comments is to consult them when you have concerns regarding a passage. For example, you may come across a theological term, cultural notion, or biblical event that you are unfamiliar with—a gap between the original reader's and your world. A commentary can help you fill in the blanks by explaining how the original audience would have interpreted such allusions. You may then adapt the text's meaning to your situation.

3. They can help you avoid erroneous interpretations.

   A Bible commentary is one of the most useful resources for comparing your personal understanding of Scripture to that of other recognized pastors, scholars, and church leaders. They can assist you in avoiding Bible mistakes and misconceptions while also boosting your comprehension of biblical texts and concepts.

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Here are 130+ FREE Bible Commentaries

FREELY available on Amazon (Kindle).

Wisdom, encouragement, and exhortation are contained in these pages. Not because of the author's brilliance, but because of the words of truth contained in the gospel of Mark. And just as the apostle Mark didn't draw any attention to himself, so also J. C. Ryle clearly and wonderfully directs his words and our thoughts towards the inspired words of scripture. If we truly love God, we will love His word; and the more study His word, the more we will love God.

• Expository Commentary on the Gospel of Mark by J C Ryle.

  

• Expository Commentary on the Gospel of Luke by J C Ryle.

  

• Expository Commentary on the Gospel of John by J C Ryle.

Check out Studylight.org, a website with 125+ FREE Bible Commentaries.