There have been controversial discussions around the use of commentaries, including online web-based resources for understanding the Bible, and I want to carve out a few moments to add my thoughts. Using Bible commentaries judiciously is very similar to sitting under sound preaching and teaching in the local church. When you listen to a pastor-teacher, you are still hearing a man’s explanation of Scripture. Yet God has clearly ordained that means for our growth. “And He gave some… pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints” (Ephesians 4:11–12). If all “man’s thoughts” were inherently illegitimate, preaching itself would be unnecessary.

The key distinction isn’t Bible vs. commentary, but final authority vs. secondary help. Scripture alone is inspired (2 Timothy 3:16). Commentaries do not rise to the level of the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of Truth — but neither do sermons, Bible studies, or Sunday school lessons. But, they are tools God most often uses to help believers rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

The Bereans give us a helpful model. Acts 17:11 says they “received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see whether those things were so.” Notice two things:

1. They listened to teaching (Paul and Silas).
2. They tested that teaching against Scripture.

That’s exactly how commentaries should be used — not as a replacement for Scripture, but as something examined by Scripture.

Historically, God has always used teachers. Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch understand Isaiah (Acts 8:30–35). Nehemiah 8:8 says the Levites “read from the Book… and gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.” That is commentary in its most basic form.

Where caution is wise is in dependence. If someone reads commentaries instead of Scripture, or accepts them uncritically, the concern is valid. But when commentaries are used after personal study — to check context, language, history, or alternative views — they can sharpen discernment rather than dull it. “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).

So I wouldn’t frame it as an either/or. It’s:

• Scripture first
• Scripture final
• Helpers along the way, tested by Scripture

To wrap up, if commentaries help you love Christ more, understand His Word more clearly, and apply it more faithfully — while keeping the Bible as the ultimate authority — you are walking in a very biblical pattern.

Grace and peace to you, and may the Lord continue to guide you into His truth (John 16:13). 🙏