How would you describe a true Minister of the Gospel? John Bunyan offers some insights in his book The Pilgrim's Progress. Christian, who is on a journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, arrives at the House of the Interpreter. The House represents the Word of God as it is illumined to our understanding: 

So he had him into a private room, and bid his man open a door; the which when he had done, Christian saw the picture of a very grave Person hang up against the wall; and this was the fashion of it, It had eyes lifted up to Heaven, the best of Books in his hand, the Law of Truth was written upon his lips, the World was behind his back; it stood as if pleading with men, and a Crown of Gold did hang over its head.

Christian: Then said Christian, What means this?

Interpreter: The man whose picture this is, is one of a thousand; he can beget children, travel in birth with children, and nurse them himself when they are born. And whereas you see him with eyes lift up to Heaven, the best of Books in his hand, and the Law of Truth writ upon his lips; it is to show you, that his work is to know and unfold dark things to Sinners; even as also you see him stand as if he pleaded with men; and whereas you see the World as cast behind him, and that a Crown hangs over his head; that is to show you, that slighting and despising the things that are present, for the love that he has to his Master's service, he is sure in the World that comes next, to have Glory for his reward. Now said the Interpreter, I have showed you this picture first, because the man whose picture this is, is the only man whom the Lord of the place where you are going has authorized to be your Guide in all difficult places you may meet with in the Way: Wherefore take good heed to what I have showed you, and bear well in your mind what you have seen, lest in your Journey you meet with some that pretend to lead you right, but their way goes down to death.

The first lesson that the Interpreter sets before Christian is to show him a picture hanging in a private room. Christian notices immediately that the man portrayed in the picture is a man with a very grave countenance. This man represents a true minister of the Gospel and his countenance speaks to the seriousness of his calling before God. This minister knows and understands his responsibilities as a watchman and shepherd of Christ's flock. He is aware that his vocation involves real dangers as well as great rewards.

The Interpreter speaks of the Gospel minister as "one of a thousand" who "can beget children, travel in birth with children, and nurse them himself with they are born," alluding to Paul's description of his ministry:

I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me (1 Corinthians 4:14-16).

This minister not only speaks truth and teaches truth, but he looks upon the people, with whom God has entrusted him, as his children in the faith, as those whom he must watch over, guard, feed and protect. In Galatians 4:19 Paul also speaks of the church as his "little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you."

Bunyan's portrait provides a six-fold description of a true Gospel minister.

[Continuing Reading "A Guide to John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress" by Ken Puls]