I have spent so much of my time in the WORD, I am finding that I am limited about what 'historical' writings do to set the stage.I'm trying to incorporate both type of readings and it's difficult. I have to tell you that this movie opened my heart again to Jesus Christ, and that opened my eyes. So when I'm reading Scripture I pray to the Holy Spirit to give me the power to discern correctly.
I was baptized in the Catholic Faith but haven't been true to it in years. Truth be told, I'm having a hard time finding a Church where I sense the teachings are correct and firm, but one step at a time, and hopefully I'll find one, because I think it's important to commune and surround oneself with followers of Christ.
Remember we are told "ask and you shall be given".
Stay in the WORD and our Heavenly Father will send a teacher for help when you need it. Through Christ of course.
I use a Campanion Bible and a Strongs. The Companion is really helpful in that it helps in the side notes to set the stage, connection of scripture and what words mean and usage in the early translation.
What I keep finding is no matter how much I study there are so many pieces of the puzzle still missing.