On this episode of Forerunners with Mandy Worby, we look at the life of Matthew Henry, an important person in Christian history. He was born on October 18, 1662, in Wales. Matthew became a nonconformist minister and a well-known writer. He started by studying law but later switched to theology. In 1687, he began his ministry in a Presbyterian church in Chester, where he also started the Presbyterian Chapel on Trinity Street.
Matthew Henry is most famous for his six-volume commentary on the Bible, written between 1708 and 1710. This commentary gives a detailed explanation of the Bible, covering both the Old Testament and much of the New Testament. After his death, other nonconformist ministers completed commentaries on the letters from Romans to Revelation, using his notes and teachings.
Henry wrote his commentaries to help believers understand the Bible better and to live out their faith in everyday life. Well-known Christian leaders like George Whitfield and Charles Spurgeon have praised his work. Whitfield read Matthew Henry’s commentaries four times, the last time on his knees, and Spurgeon recommended that every minister should read them at least once.
An Important Person in Christian History
Matthew Henry died unexpectedly at the age of 52 from a stroke in 1714. In 1860, a memorial in his honour was built in Chester, which has since been moved to a roundabout near Chester Castle. Today, his commentaries are still widely read and are essential resources for serious Bible readers.
One of Matthew Henry’s notable thoughts was about the creation of woman. He said she was made from Adam’s rib to show equality, meant to be protected and cherished rather than ruled over. “He also said it is easy to be religious when religion is in fashion,” says Mandy. “But it is an evidence of strong faith and resolution to swim against a stream to heaven and to appear for God when no one else appears for Him.”
Listen to the full episode of Forerunners below:
