Best Whole-Bible Commentaries Recommended by John Piper
The Importance of Deep Thinking and Bible Commentaries in Study
In a recent episode of the podcast, “Ask Pastor John,” host John Piper delved into the topic of Bible study and the use of commentaries. Piper emphasized the importance of deep thinking and meditation on Scripture before turning to commentaries for help in understanding difficult passages.
Piper highlighted the value of slowing down to study the Bible phrase by phrase, echoing the advice given by the apostle Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:7. He stressed the need for individuals to engage in personal reflection and prayer when grappling with challenging texts, rather than immediately seeking answers from external sources.
While Piper acknowledged the usefulness of Bible commentaries in aiding comprehension, he cautioned against relying solely on these resources. He encouraged listeners to first wrestle with the text themselves, asking questions and seeking answers before consulting commentaries for additional insights.
Despite his initial reluctance to recommend specific commentaries, Piper ultimately shared four resources that he has found beneficial in his own study. These included Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible, Matthew Poole’s annotations, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory, and Robert Gundry’s Commentary on the New Testament.
Piper emphasized the fallibility of all commentaries, including his own recommendations, and urged listeners to approach these resources with discernment. He advised individuals to value the arguments presented in commentaries rather than blindly accepting their conclusions, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement with Scripture.
In conclusion, Piper encouraged listeners to test all things against the standard of Scripture and to hold fast to what is good. By engaging in thoughtful study and utilizing commentaries as aids rather than substitutes for personal reflection, individuals can deepen their understanding of the Bible and grow in their love for God’s Word.