Just a brief response (but firm): Absolutely not! In fact, when you read a commentary, do it only after you have read the Scriptures. Let God's voice speak to you personally through his Word. I use commentaries a lot. But... I am convinced they have the danger of having the commentator take on the same authority as God's Word if we rely on them. Commentaries can help us see mistakes that have been made in the past in understanding Scripture -- but they dare not take a place in our lives equal to Scripture.
One of the great things happening in the global church now has to do with the Bible. The rest of God's family (outside the US and Europe) is taking time to hear the Word personally -- and then respond to its authority.
To His Glory,
Dr. Greg Waybright
Senior Pastor
