Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible — Volume 6: First Timothy offers a theological interpretation of the New Testament letter written by Paul to his disciple Timothy, emphasizing themes of piety, belief, and the duties of Christian service. Composed in the 18th century, the commentary examines 1 Timothy’s guidance on church leadership, the correct application of Scripture, and the moral duties of followers, highlighting the gospel’s capacity for transformation.
Henry stresses the value of reliance on God rather than riches, the duty of clergy to preserve truth, and the significance of prayer and moral behavior. By closely examining individual passages, he links the letter’s teachings to wider Christian practice, presenting them as crucial for nurturing a just and cohesive church. This volume, like the others in Henry’s series, functions both as a spiritual guide and a systematic study of biblical teaching.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible… (1700s)
“ There is one Mediator, and that mediator gave himself a ransom for all. As the mercy of God extends itself to all his works, so the mediation of Christ extends itself thus far to all the children of men that he paid a price sufficient for the salvation of all mankind; he brought mankind to stand upon new terms with God, so that they are not now under the law as a covenant of works, but as a rule of life. ”
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible… (1700s)
“ The law is good, if a man use it lawfully. The Jews used it unlawfully, as an engine to divide the church, a cover to the malicious opposition they made to the gospel of Christ; they set it up for justification, and so used it unlawfully. We must not therefore think to set it aside, but use it lawfully, for the restraint of sin. The abuse which some have made of the law does not take away the use of it; but, when a divine appointment has been abused, call it back to its right use and take away the abuses, for the law is still very useful as a rule of life ”
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible… (1700s)
“ If men had not their consciences seared as with a hot iron, they could never maintain a power to dispense with oaths for the good of the catholic cause, could never maintain that no faith is to be kept with heretics, could never divest themselves of all remains of humanity and compassion, and clothe themselves with the most barbarous cruelty, under pretence of promoting the interest of the church. ”
