# Question about Matthew for Christians **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [December 23, 2014, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-matthew-for-christians/707984 "2014-12-23T02:26:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 67
**Author:** ![Flyer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/flyer/32/7298_2.png) [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2014, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-matthew-for-christians/707984/67 "2014-12-24T15:35:37Z")
> [@tomndebb](#): > > I doubt that you have provided any such _conclusive proof_. Can you provide a link to this extraordinary claim? From the other thread– > [@Biblical inerrancy movement is actually a "very new phenomenon". Is this true?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biblical-inerrancy-movement-is-actually-a-very-new-phenomenon-is-this-true/705961/10): > > The truth is that the true Church has ALWAYS believed the inerrancy of the Bible. Dr. Adam Clarke (c. 1762–1832), one of the first Methodists, wrote a massive Commentary on the Bible. In part of it called “An Introduction to the Four Gospels, and to the Acts of the Apostles” he writes this– > > > [@](#): > > > > I have purposely avoided the question concerning the authenticity of the sacred writings in general. On a thorough conviction, I assume the fact, that they are a Divine record, a revelation from God. This has been so amply proved that the Christian cause has had a complete triumph. I consider, therefore, the question to be for ever at rest. > > He then goes on to quote at length from a Dr. Whitby concerning the various methods of Divine inspiration. > > Going back even further, Matthew Henry (1662–1714) also wrote a very influential Commentary. It influenced many well-known preachers for centuries afterward. On II Timothy 3:16, which states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” Henry writes thusly– > > > [@](#): > > > > It is a divine revelation, which we may depend upon as infallibly true. The same Spirit that breathed reason into us breathes revelation among us: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or carried forth by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. i. 21. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us. That the scripture was given by inspiration of God appears from the majesty of its style,–from the truth, purity, and sublimity, of the doctrines contained in it,–from the harmony of its several parts,–from its power and efficacy on the minds of multitudes that converse with it,–from the accomplishment of many prophecies relating to things beyond all human foresight,–and from the uncontrollable miracles that were wrought in proof of its divine original: God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will, Heb. ii.4. --- _[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-matthew-for-christians/707984)._