Part 8 – The Portrait on the Wall
"God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our
hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of
Jesus Christ." 2
Corinthians 4:6 (ESV)
Having
entered the Interpreter's House, Christian is not immediately given instruction
through words. Bunyan first directs his attention to a portrait hanging upon
the wall. As with everything else in Pilgrim's Progress, this is no
accidental detail. Before Christian is shown the realities of the Christian
life, Bunyan first introduces him to the character of the man who proclaims its
message.
Why would
Bunyan begin here?
If the
pilgrimage is to be governed by truth, then surely the one who declares that
truth must first be understood. Throughout the Scriptures, God has never left
His people without faithful witnesses. From the prophets of the Old Testament
to the apostles of the New, He has continually raised up men to proclaim His
Word. Yet Bunyan is careful to remind us that not every voice claiming to speak
for God has been sent by Him.
The
portrait Christian is shown is striking. Bunyan describes a man whose eyes are
lifted toward heaven, who holds the very best of books in his hand, whose lips
are governed by truth, and whose back is turned toward the world. Above his
head stands a crown, while the world lies behind him as though it were of
little value.
This is no
ordinary picture. It is a portrait of a faithful minister of the Gospel.
The Apostle
Paul gives a similar description when writing to the Corinthians.
"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord,
with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake."
2
Corinthians 4:5 (ESV)
That single
verse guards both the preacher and the hearer. The faithful servant of Christ
is never the message. His calling is to proclaim Christ. Whenever the messenger
becomes more important than the One of whom he speaks, something has gone
terribly wrong.
Perhaps
this explains why Bunyan places this portrait first. Christian has already
encountered voices that sounded convincing. Mr Worldly Wiseman spoke with
confidence, yet his counsel led away from Christ. Legality offered another
solution, but it could never remove the burden of sin. Even Formalist and
Hypocrisy appeared religious while bypassing the only entrance God had
appointed.
Christian
has already learned that sincerity is no guarantee of truth.
Now Bunyan
teaches him another lesson. Not every teacher should be followed simply because
he carries influence, learning, or popularity. The question is far simpler.
Does he faithfully declare the Word of God, or does he direct men elsewhere?
Paul warned
Timothy that a time would come when people would no longer endure sound
teaching, but would gather teachers to suit their own desires. That warning
applies to every generation. The temptation has never disappeared. We naturally
gravitate towards those who tell us what we want to hear rather than what God
has spoken.
The
portrait in the Interpreter's House reminds us that the true servant of Christ
is recognised not by his personality or reputation but by his faithfulness. His
eyes remain fixed on heaven because his hope is there. The Scriptures remain in
his hand because they are his authority. His lips speak truth because he has no
other message. His back is turned towards the world because his treasure is
elsewhere. The crown above his head reminds us that his reward is not found in
this life but in the presence of his Master.
It is
remarkable that before Christian reaches the Cross, Bunyan teaches him how to
recognise those who will faithfully point him there. Throughout the remainder
of his pilgrimage, Christian will meet many companions, counsellors and
opponents. Some will strengthen his faith, while others will seek to lead him
astray. Before those encounters begin, Bunyan gives both Christian and the
reader a biblical measure by which every teacher should be examined.
That
standard has never changed. Every preacher, every teacher and every ministry
must ultimately be measured by the same question: do they proclaim Christ
according to the Scriptures, or do they proclaim something else?
In our next
study, the Interpreter will lead Christian to another room where Bunyan will
unfold a further lesson, each preparing the pilgrim for the journey that still
lies ahead.
Signing off
Tyrone
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 4:5–6; 2 Timothy 4:2–4; Acts 20:28–31; Jeremiah 23:16–22; Titus 1:7–9.
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