“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Ephesians 4:11-14
I am so glad that God gave us teachers, especially Bible teachers. I have read the Bible most every day since I was sixteen years old, but that does not mean that I have understood everything I read. When we lived in London in 1957-58, I was fortunate enough to hear D. Martin Lloyd-Jones preach in Westminster Chapel and from then on, I read his commentaries. I knew I needed help in understanding the book of Romans so I read his volumes (all of them!) and for the first time, I really began to understand Romans. But it was when I taught the Bible in the 1970s that I used commentaries extensively. I wanted to be equipped for the work of ministry and I needed good teachers to help me. I am grateful that through the years God has given me good teachers along with Dr. Lloyd-Jones. Anyone preaching, teaching, or leading Bible study groups needs good commentaries to help explain the Scriptures to others. We all need help. Even those who write Bible commentaries read commentaries written by others!
When the churches in Africa asked for Sunday School material and Rafiki agreed to honor their request, we knew that Sunday School teachers needed more than the lessons we sent if they were to teach well. We decided to start with lessons for adults and children on the book of MATTHEW. With the help of many of you, the ROSEMARY JENSEN BIBLE FOUNDATION added a commentary written by R.C. Sproul on the book of MATTHEW to the 10,000 boxes containing the Sunday School lessons. We do not charge for these boxes to African churches because they cannot afford to buy them. However, we have made these boxes available to churches anywhere in the world (including the USA) that can afford to purchase them. They are available for purchase through Rafiki’s website (rafikibiblestudy.org).
The next 10,000 commentaries I want the RJBF to send to Africa with Sunday School lessons is on ACTS. I get them at a good price because I buy in large quantities, but they are not free. You are welcome to help! Just email me at RMJ@rafikifoundation.org to find out how.
I still read the Bible every day, but I also read a chapter in a commentary every day. You might want to do the same. I would suggest as a starter the commentary we sent to Africa. It’s R.C. Sproul’s commentary on MATTHEW. It explains MATTHEW verse by verse. You can get it from Ligonier Ministries or on Amazon. It is long (more than 700 pages!) but you will love it!
I am so grateful that God gave us good teachers so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
I am happy to recommend commentaries to those who want to be
careful in choosing doctrinally sound commentaries.
Thank you, Rosemary. I, too, have benefitted from commentaries that I have used when teaching the Bible over the years. Thank you for the good suggestions you gave us here for additional commentaries that are helpful. The best 'commentary' on the Bible that I have found is the Holy Spirit Himself. There is none better than He. I John 2:27
ReplyDeleteIn a day when “false teachers” abound it is always good to hear what your opinion on good commentaries! Thank you. Beth
ReplyDeleteMy bookshelves declare what I have taught. I have few commentaries on Isaiah and multiple commentaries on Romans, Genesis, Matthew, and any other BSF study. Most of the commentaries I use now are downloaded.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a privilege to meet some of the theologians who I read. God made that possible through people like you. Thank you Rosemary.