30 Facts About Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry was a British Nonconformist and Presbyterian minister and author who was born in Wales but spent much of his life in England.

Matthew Henry is best known for the six-volume biblical commentary Exposition of the Old and New Testaments.

Matthew Henry was the second son born to Philip and Kathrine Henry.

Matthew Henry was born prematurely at his mother's family estate, Broad Oak, a farmhouse on the borders of Flintshire and Shropshire.

Matthew Henry was baptized the next day by the local parish rector.

Unlike most of those who had been ejected, Philip Henry possessed some private means, and was able to provide his son a good education.

Matthew Henry's father provided much of Henry's early education at home.

Matthew Henry practiced writing by copying his father's sermons and as a child he exhibited a natural public speaking ability.

Matthew Henry later transferred to Gray's Inn, in the heart of the capital, to study law.

Matthew Henry soon gave up his legal studies for theology.

Matthew Henry was invited by his friend George Illidge, to give his first sermon to a congregation at Nantwich.

Matthew Henry was initially hesitant to accept, not willing to take away members from an already established minister but upon Harvey's insistence he accepted.

Matthew Henry presented a paper written in Latin as part of his ordination.

Matthew Henry then became minister of a new Presbyterian congregation at Chester.

Matthew Henry became a member of the local Chester union of ministers.

Matthew Henry named the infant Kathrine after the mother, but the child died 15 months later.

Matthew Henry continued to live with the Hardwares after the death of his wife and continued his ministerial duties.

Matthew Henry was introduced to Mary Warburton, a relative of Mrs Hardware.

Matthew Henry became a popular speaker and received constant invitations to speak and give lectures.

Matthew Henry traveled almost weekly to different cities to speak.

Matthew Henry spent significant amounts of time studying and writing his sermons and lectures in advance.

In 1698, Matthew Henry traveled to London to speak for the first time since moving to Chester.

Matthew Henry traveled to London again to speak in 1704 and this time Mary accompanied him.

Matthew Henry moved again in 1712 to Mare Street, Hackney after accepting an invitation to take over the ministry of the Hackney congregation.

Matthew Henry's Exposition of the Old and New Testaments was nearing the publication stage and was a contributing motive to the move to Hackney, close to the publisher.

Matthew Henry continued to maintain his frequent speaking engagements and work on his commentary.

Matthew Henry's commentaries are primarily theological, dealing with the scripture text as presented, with his prime intention being explanation for practical and devotional purposes, giving a theological commentary on each chapter of Scripture.

Matthew Henry's Commentary identifies the "man of sin", the focus of latter day apostasy, and the Antichrist as the papacy in his interpretation of 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

Matthew Henry is allowed by all competent judges, to have been a person of strong understanding, of various learning, of solid piety, and much experience in the ways of God.

Matthew Henry {Eve} was formed not from just any part of his body {Adam's body}, but from his side, so that it should be shown that she was created for the partnership of love, lest, if perhaps she had been made from his head, she should be perceived as set over man in domination; or if from his feet, as if subject to him in servitude.