Many of us are privileged to own multiple copies of the Bible, especially through our favorite Bible app. The internet grants us access to a wide range of resources in online study guides, videos, and podcasts (like this one). With so many resources at our fingertips, we can fall into the trap of thinking that we can study and understand the Bible all on our own without the Church. If this were the case, then the apostles would’ve written a lot more letters to individual believers instead of churches, but they didn’t. Even the revelation God gave to John was meant for the seven churches, and, as Fr. Ward points out, were meant to be read out loud in those churches. So, while personal study is important, the Church provides us a buffer against heresy and a wealth of wisdom and insight into the scriptures.