This week in Christian history: ‘Strange Fire’ conference, Matthew Henry born, Medieval pope consecrated

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, October 16, 2022

Matthew Henry born – Oct. 18, 1662

Matthew Henry (1662-1714), a notable British preacher and theologian. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Matthew Henry, a notable British preacher and theologian known for his Bible commentaries, was born in Broad Oak, Flintshire.

Ordained a minister in 1687, Henry oversaw a Presbyterian church in Chester, and wrote a popular multivolume work titled Commentary on the Whole Bible.

“As his Commentary began to be published, Henry became increasingly well-known, and was eventually prevailed upon to move to Mare Street, Hackney in London in 1712,” noted Banner of Truth.

“This gave him opportunities of preaching almost every day of the week, and sometimes two or three times on the same day.”

Henry’s work was said to have inspired the ministry of George Whitefield, a prominent 18th century evangelist who frequently read Henry early on in his spiritual development.