How should I use Bible Study Reference Tools?
Charles Spurgeon, often called the “Prince of Preachers,” lectured on the usefulness of reference materials. He told his students, “… You will need to be familiar with the commentators: a glorious army, let me tell you, whose acquaintance will be your delight and profit.” (Commenting on Commentaries, by Charles Spurgeon)
Reference materials, including commentaries, as helpful as they can be, are secondary materials and should be treated as such. After studying a particular passage and seeing for your self what the Bible says. Using the Bible as a plumbline, you will be able to discern any bias or errors in commentaries or other references. In other words, we need to read the Book, before we read about the Book.
With that in mind, there are many different types of reference materials that will complement your Bible study time. To learn more about the different kinds of reference tools and how to see the FAQ questions:
- What is a Concordance?
- What is a Commentary?
- What is a Lexicon?
- What is an Interlinear Bible?
Originally published March 09, 2007.
