Preface to J.C. Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Matthew

I have long been helped by the preaching and writing of one of England's most effective clergymen from the Victorian era, namely J.C. Ryle. He laid great stress upon 'simplicity' in content and delivery, with his method of exposition being very practical in its application.

By adding his 'Expository Thoughts on the Gospels' to the existing series 'Readings from Ryle', I hope that listeners will be as helped and encouraged as I have been.

I begin with Ryle's 'Expository Thoughts on Matthew', and will proceed at a leisurely pace through this, and eventually the other Gospels, as the Lord enables. To begin with Ryle's 'Preface' to the Gospel of Matthew seems to be useful, as it explains what he calls his "character and design of the work". Each individual exposition is brief and should only take a few minutes to complete.

My hope is that the Lord will use Ryle's explanation of these short expositions to benefit Christians and non-Christians alike, to the honour and glory of Christ's name.