Embracing Wisdom: The Value of Biblical Commentaries
Summary
In our journey of faith and understanding, it is essential to recognize the value of those who have come before us, particularly in the realm of biblical exposition. The wisdom and insights of past commentators serve as a guiding light, helping us navigate the complexities of scripture. Engaging with these works is not a sign of weakness or lack of originality but rather a testament to our humility and willingness to learn from those who have dedicated their lives to understanding God's word.
The use of commentaries has been criticized in recent years, with some fearing that they might overshadow personal revelation. However, the real danger lies in the pursuit of novelty for its own sake, leading to misinterpretations and misguided teachings. A well-rounded understanding of scripture often requires the insights of those who have spent their lives studying it. Commentators like Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and others have provided invaluable resources that can deepen our understanding and enrich our spiritual lives.
Matthew Henry's commentary, for instance, is a treasure trove of spiritual insights, practical lessons, and profound reflections. His work is accessible to all, offering guidance and wisdom that can be applied to everyday life. Similarly, John Calvin's commentaries are renowned for their honesty and integrity, providing a balanced view of scripture that respects both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
The works of these commentators are not just academic exercises; they are spiritual companions that can inspire and challenge us. They remind us that the study of scripture is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a spiritual journey that requires both heart and mind. As we engage with these texts, we are invited to see the Bible not just as a historical document but as a living word that speaks to us today.
Key Takeaways:
- The Value of Commentaries: Engaging with the works of past commentators is crucial for a deeper understanding of scripture. These texts provide insights that can prevent us from falling into the trap of novel but erroneous interpretations. [01:42]
- Matthew Henry's Spiritual Insights: Matthew Henry's commentary is a rich resource for spiritual growth, offering practical lessons and reflections that are accessible to all believers. His work is a testament to the power of scripture to transform lives. [05:32]
- John Calvin's Balanced Approach: John Calvin's commentaries are celebrated for their honesty and integrity, providing a balanced view that respects both divine sovereignty and human responsibility. His work encourages us to approach scripture with both reverence and critical thought. [10:54]
- The Importance of Humility in Learning: Recognizing the wisdom of those who have come before us is an act of humility. It acknowledges that our understanding of scripture is enriched by the insights of others, and it encourages us to remain open to learning and growth. [13:49]
- The Spiritual Journey of Scripture Study: The study of scripture is not just an intellectual exercise but a spiritual journey. Engaging with commentaries can inspire and challenge us, inviting us to see the Bible as a living word that speaks to us today. [41:24]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Introduction to Commentaries
[00:57] - The Criticism of Commentaries
[01:42] - The Value of Past Commentators
[04:24] - Matthew Henry's Influence
[09:52] - John Calvin's Honest Approach
[13:49] - Arminius on Calvin
[16:18] - Matthew Pool's Contributions
[20:29] - Dr. Gil's Legacy
[25:16] - Adam Clark's Unique Perspective
[29:12] - Bishop Hall's Wit and Wisdom
[34:20] - Albert Barnes' Contributions
[37:04] - Kito's Pictorial Bible
[41:24] - The Spiritual Journey of Study
[46:49] - The German Commentators
[51:04] - Conclusion and Future Insights
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 2:15 - "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
2. Proverbs 11:14 - "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
3. Hebrews 13:7 - "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some reasons given in the sermon for the criticism of using commentaries in recent years? [01:11]
2. How does the sermon describe Matthew Henry's approach to scripture and his contribution to biblical commentary? [05:32]
3. What qualities of John Calvin's commentaries are highlighted in the sermon? [10:54]
4. According to the sermon, what is the importance of humility in learning from past commentators? [13:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does 2 Timothy 2:15 relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the importance of using commentaries for a deeper understanding of scripture?
2. In what ways does Proverbs 11:14 support the idea of learning from past commentators like Matthew Henry and John Calvin?
3. How might Hebrews 13:7 encourage believers to value the insights of biblical commentators as spiritual leaders?
4. What does the sermon suggest about the balance between personal revelation and the insights of past commentators? [01:42]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought novelty in your understanding of scripture. How did it compare to when you used a commentary for guidance? [01:42]
2. Matthew Henry's commentary is described as accessible to all believers. How can you incorporate his insights into your daily Bible study routine? [05:32]
3. John Calvin is noted for his balanced approach to scripture. How can you apply this balance in your own study and interpretation of the Bible? [10:54]
4. The sermon emphasizes humility in learning. How can you cultivate a humble attitude when engaging with biblical commentaries? [13:49]
5. Consider the idea of scripture study as a spiritual journey. What steps can you take to ensure your study is both an intellectual and spiritual pursuit? [41:24]
6. How can you use the insights from past commentators to enrich your understanding of a specific Bible passage you are currently studying?
7. Identify a commentary or biblical resource you have not yet explored. How can you make time this week to begin engaging with it?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Wisdom of Commentaries
Engaging with the works of past commentators is crucial for a deeper understanding of scripture. These texts provide insights that can prevent us from falling into the trap of novel but erroneous interpretations. The wisdom of those who have come before us serves as a guiding light, helping us navigate the complexities of scripture. By studying the insights of commentators like Matthew Henry and John Calvin, we acknowledge that our understanding of scripture is enriched by the insights of others. This engagement is not a sign of weakness or lack of originality but rather a testament to our humility and willingness to learn from those who have dedicated their lives to understanding God's word. [01:42]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you relied solely on your own understanding of a scripture passage. How might consulting a trusted commentary have deepened your insight or prevented misunderstanding?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Matthew Henry's Insights
Matthew Henry's commentary is a rich resource for spiritual growth, offering practical lessons and reflections that are accessible to all believers. His work is a testament to the power of scripture to transform lives. Henry's insights are not just academic exercises; they are spiritual companions that can inspire and challenge us. By engaging with his commentary, we are invited to see the Bible not just as a historical document but as a living word that speaks to us today. His reflections encourage us to apply biblical truths to our everyday lives, fostering spiritual growth and transformation. [05:32]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you seek spiritual growth. How can you apply a lesson from Matthew Henry's commentary to this area today?
Day 3: John Calvin's Balanced Approach to Scripture
John Calvin's commentaries are celebrated for their honesty and integrity, providing a balanced view that respects both divine sovereignty and human responsibility. His work encourages us to approach scripture with both reverence and critical thought. Calvin's insights remind us that the study of scripture is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a spiritual journey that requires both heart and mind. By engaging with his commentaries, we are challenged to consider the complexities of scripture and to seek a deeper understanding of God's word. This balanced approach helps us to appreciate the richness of scripture and to apply its truths to our lives with wisdom and discernment. [10:54]
"The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent scripture passage you studied. How can you apply Calvin's balanced approach to deepen your understanding and application of this passage?
Day 4: Humility in Learning from Past Commentators
Recognizing the wisdom of those who have come before us is an act of humility. It acknowledges that our understanding of scripture is enriched by the insights of others, and it encourages us to remain open to learning and growth. Engaging with the works of past commentators is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our willingness to learn from those who have dedicated their lives to understanding God's word. This humility in learning allows us to appreciate the depth and richness of scripture and to apply its truths to our lives with wisdom and discernment. [13:49]
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." (Proverbs 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a time when you resisted learning from others due to pride. How can you cultivate humility in your approach to studying scripture today?
Day 5: The Spiritual Journey of Scripture Study
The study of scripture is not just an intellectual exercise but a spiritual journey. Engaging with commentaries can inspire and challenge us, inviting us to see the Bible as a living word that speaks to us today. This journey requires both heart and mind, as we seek to understand and apply the truths of scripture to our lives. By engaging with the insights of past commentators, we are reminded that the study of scripture is a lifelong journey that requires humility, openness, and a willingness to learn and grow. This spiritual journey invites us to deepen our relationship with God and to live out the truths of scripture in our daily lives. [41:24]
"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding." (Proverbs 3:13, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current approach to studying scripture. How can you make it more of a spiritual journey that engages both your heart and mind?
Quotes
a respectable acquaintance with the opinions of the Giants of the past might have saved many an erratic thinker from Wild interpretations and outrageous inferences usually we have found the despises of commentaries to be men who have no sort of acquaintance with them in their case it is the opposite of familiarity which is Brad contempt [00:01:47]
but who will deny the preeminent value of such expositions as those of Calvin NES Henry Trap pool and bengle which are as deep as they are Broad and yet further who can pretend to biblical learning who has not made himself familiar with the great writers who spent a life in explaining some one sacred book [00:02:35]
Matthew Henry he is most Pious and pithy sound and sensible suggestive and sober tur and trustworthy you will find him to be glittering with metaphors rich in analogies overflowing with illustrations superabundant in Reflections he Delights in apposition and alliteration he is usually plain quaint and to the point he sees right through a text directly [00:04:32]
his honest intention was to translate the Hebrew and the Greek Originals as accurately as he possibly could and then to give the meaning which would naturally be conveyed by such Greek and Hebrew words he labored in fact to declare not his own mind upon the spirit's words but the mind of the spirit as couched in those words [00:11:02]
no writer ever dealt more fairly and honestly by the word of God he is scrupulously careful to let it speak for itself and to guard against every tendency of his own mind to put upon it a questionable meaning for the sake of establishing some Doctrine which he feels to be important or some Theory which he is anxious to uphold [00:11:23]
he will not maintain any Doctrine however Orthodox and Essential by a text of scripture which to him appears of doubtful applic ation or of inadequate Force for instance firmly as he believed the doctrine of the Trinity he refuses to derive an argument in its favor from the plural form of the name of God in the first chapter of Genesis [00:11:52]
next to the perusal of the scriptures which I earnestly inculcate I exal my pupils to peruse Calvin's commentaries which I extol in loftier terms than helmi himself for I affirm that he excels Beyond comparison in the interpretations of scripture and that his commentaries ought to be more highly valued than all that is handed down to us by the library of the fathers [00:13:49]
I know no man since the apostles days whom I value and honor more than Calvin and whose judgment in all things one with another I more esteem and come nearer to if you are well enough first in Latin you will find in pool's synopsis a mar marous collection of all the wisdom and Folly of the critics [00:14:42]
the best commentators after all are those who have written upon only one book few men can comment eminently well upon the whole Bible there are sure to be some weak points in colossal Works prolixity in so vast an undertaking is natural and dullness follow follows at its heels but a life devoted to one of the inspired volumes of our Priceless Bible must surely yield a noble result [00:51:04]
the study of scripture is not just an intellectual exercise but a spiritual journey. Engaging with commentaries can inspire and challenge us, inviting us to see the Bible as a living word that speaks to us today. [00:41:24]
the spiritual journey of scripture study is not just an intellectual exercise but a spiritual journey. Engaging with commentaries can inspire and challenge us, inviting us to see the Bible as a living word that speaks to us today. [00:41:24]
the spiritual journey of scripture study is not just an intellectual exercise but a spiritual journey. Engaging with commentaries can inspire and challenge us, inviting us to see the Bible as a living word that speaks to us today. [00:41:24]
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