Most everyone Christian I know enjoys reading biographies especially biographies on well-known Christians. Whether it’s because they enjoy learning more about the history of the man or woman of God’s life or the impact they made in and through their ministry, reading the biographies of great saints has always been a favorite of mine. Allan Harman, Research Professor at the Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia has written a very biography detailing the life, times and impact of Matthew Henry in his book Matthew Henry His Life and Influence.
Matthew Henry is famous for his commentary through the Bible, but he was also a great Pastor, preacher in addition to being a great writer. One of the reasons why I enjoyed Dr. Harman’s work so much was chapter fourteen that details the influence Matthew Henry had on other great men of the faith. Men such as Charles Spurgeon, John and Charles Wesley, Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield were blessed by the ministry of Matthew Henry.
Matthew Henry was dedicated to the Lord Jesus and served him faithfully in his individual life, as a devoted son and brother, as a husband and father, and as a Pastor and writer. Dr. Harman notes that, “His life stands as a testimony to God’s grace, while his writings continue to enrich the people of God” (201).
Men like Matthew Henry today are needed, men who love the Word of God, lift up the Son of God, love the Church, their wives, family and friends with the love of Christ. Men of Matthew Henry’s stature are needed in evangelicalism, men of conviction who will not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, but stand fast on the truthfulness and authority of God’s Word and proclaim the beauty, glory and excellency of Jesus to a culture that devalues truth and lifts itself up as the savior of man’s problems.
Men like Matthew Henry provide an example for Christians to be people of conviction, to remain steadfast and to steadily grow in godliness, and be faithful in our ministries, knowing that God’s Word never returns void and will always accomplish that which is sets out to do, to convict the hearts of men, women and children, and point them to the truth and beauty of Jesus Christ. I recommend you to pick up a copy of Matthew Henry His Life and Influence by Allan Harman, and read it, because doing so will help you to learn about a man who stood fast on the Word of God and proclaimed the Truth about the Son of God—the Lord Jesus Christ.
Title: Matthew Henry – His Life and Influence
Author: Allan Harman
Publisher: Christian Focus (2012)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Christian Focus book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
