For November I would like to bring to your attention a very excellent and informative Commentary: Matthew Henry's Commentary On The Whole Bible In One Volume. The Commentary is not new, but it is purported to be the most widely used of all the Commentaries.
Matthew Henry was born on l8th October, 1662, in Broad Oak, a Welsh farmhouse at Iscoid, Flintshire. The son of Philip Henry, a clergyman, gifted teacher and scholar, Matthew was educated at home and sent, aged 18, to the Academy at Islington, London. He began his commentary in November 1704. The first volume was published in 1708 and this first volume and four others in 1710. Volume six was completed up to Acts and finished by others after Henry's death in 1714. This one volume version has been carefully produced, strictly observing certain principles, one being that factual errors in minor details of background material have been corrected.
As before, when I commented upon a mini commentary, it is virtually impossible to actually 'review' a commentary. This one is extremely detailed and affords great insight. To give an example, I have 'borrowed' the Gospel Reading used recently at a huge 'Rejoice In The Lord' Festival, John 18, beginning at verse 33b. The scene is Our Lord before Pilate and there is first an explanation in order to 'set the scene'. In doing so, it is revealed that one of the reasons that the Jews wished Our Lord to be condemned and tried by the Roman Court is so that he might be put to death more legally and safely.
Jesus, in answer to Pilate's question, "Are you King of the Jews?" asks another question, "Is that your own idea or have others suggested it to you?" Henry expounds that Pilate resented Christ's answer and gives a direct answer, saying, "Am I a Jew?" Henry: 'A man of sense and honour reckoned it scandal to be counted a Jew'. In reply to the question, "..have others suggested it to you?" Yes, they had. "Your own nation and their chief priests have brought you before me". As our Lord had declined to answer the question, "Are you a King?", Pilate, we are told, tries another, "What have you done?" (verse 35). What has happened? Christ then gives a full answer to the original question and redefines Kingship, accepting the title of King. He is a King and has a Kingdom but it is not of this world. Henry: 'It is a kingdom within men, set up in their hearts and consciences. Its guards and supports are not worldly: its weapons are spiritual'. Evidence of this fact is produced (verse 36 - look it up!)
Further on our Lord explains: "My task is to bear witness to the truth". Again, Henry comments: 'He rules in the minds of men by the power of truth. He came as a witness, a witness for the God that made the world and against sin that ruins the world' and further, 'By his miracles he bore witness to the truth of religion, that all men through him might believe'.
Small point, perhaps, but we are at verse 37 and I have only touched upon a minute sample of the explanations. There is another whole column of thoughts and insights to consider, covering verses 38 to 40.
This is the sort of book to give 'Wimbledon Syndrome'. (The side to side head movement whilst watching the ball is similar to the action produced from first diving into the Bible and then to the Commentary and vice versa!)
A great encouragement to read more into your Bible and to enjoy a deeper level of study. An essential Bible aid and tool. This is the most expensive book I have presented but a look through it will confirm its worth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary On The Whole Bible (Marshall Pickering) £29.99
written by Lynn Winter
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