In John Bunyan’s “Pilgrims Progress Part II”, we have the following discussion between Prudence and Mathew.

PRUD. I ask, then, if there were ever anything that had a being antecedent to, or before God?
MATT. No; for God is eternal; nor is there anything excepting Himself, that had a being until the beginning of the first day. “For in six days the Lord made Heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is.”

PRUD. What do you think of the Bible?
MATT. It is the holy Word of God.

PRUD. Is there nothing written therein but what you understand?
MATT. Yes. A great deal.

PRUD. What do you do when you meet with such places therein that you do not understand?
MATT. I think God is wiser than I. I pray also that He will please to let me know all therein that He knows will be for my good.

Why is it that we do not know everything? Why are there limits to our knowledge and understanding?

God could, with His infinite power and infinite understanding of everything, grant to us all knowledge. But He chooses not to. He limits our understanding, and limits the understanding of everyone.

It is for our good, and also His glory.

This passage from Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2, written by John Bunyan, features a dialogue between Prudence (Prud.) and Matthew (Matt.), reflecting the allegorical and didactic style characteristic of Bunyan’s work. The exchange explores fundamental theological questions about the nature of God, the Bible, and human understanding, offering insight into the Puritan worldview and the spiritual journey of the characters. Below is a commentary on the passage, focusing on its themes, context, and implications.

1. The Eternity of God and the Created Order

Prudence begins by asking Matthew a profound theological question: whether anything existed before God. Matthew’s response—”No; for God is eternal; nor is there anything excepting Himself, that had a being until the beginning of the first day”—aligns with traditional Christian doctrine, emphasizing God’s eternal, uncreated nature. This assertion echoes the opening of Genesis: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Matthew further supports his answer by referencing the six-day creation account from Exodus 20:11, reinforcing the belief that all of existence is contingent upon God’s creative act.

This exchange serves multiple purposes:

• Theological Clarity: It establishes God as the uncaused cause, a foundational concept in Christian theology. For Bunyan’s Puritan audience, this would have been a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the dependence of all creation on Him.
• Allegorical Function: Prudence’s question tests Matthew’s understanding, reflecting the broader theme of Pilgrim’s Progress—the journey toward spiritual maturity. Matthew’s confident and scripturally grounded answer demonstrates his progress in faith.
• Didactic Intent: Bunyan uses this dialogue to instruct readers, particularly young or less experienced believers, in basic doctrine. The reference to the six-day creation also underscores the literal interpretation of Scripture common in Puritan thought.

2. The Authority and Sanctity of the Bible

Prudence’s next question shifts the focus to the Bible: “What do you think of the Bible?” Matthew’s response—”It is the holy Word of God”—affirms the Puritan reverence for Scripture as divinely inspired and authoritative. This reflects the sola scriptura principle of the Reformation, which held that the Bible is the ultimate source of truth and guidance for Christian life.

• Cultural Context: In Bunyan’s time, the Bible was not only a religious text but also a cultural cornerstone. For Puritans, it was the lens through which they interpreted reality. Matthew’s succinct affirmation reflects this worldview, emphasizing the Bible’s centrality in both personal faith and communal life.
• Allegorical Significance: Matthew’s response also highlights his spiritual growth. In Pilgrim’s Progress, characters often encounter challenges that test their reliance on Scripture. Matthew’s acknowledgment of the Bible’s holiness suggests he has internalized this reliance, a key milestone in his pilgrimage.

3. The Limits of Human Understanding

Prudence probes further, asking whether Matthew understands everything in the Bible. His candid admission—”Yes. A great deal”—acknowledges that much of Scripture remains mysterious to him. This humility is significant, as it contrasts with the hubris of characters like Ignorance or Talkative in Pilgrim’s Progress, who overestimate their understanding.

• Theological Humility: Matthew’s response reflects a core Puritan value: the recognition of human finitude in the face of divine wisdom. This aligns with biblical teachings, such as Isaiah 55:8-9 (“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord”).
• Spiritual Maturity: By admitting his limitations, Matthew demonstrates maturity. In Bunyan’s allegory, true pilgrims are those who recognize their dependence on God for understanding, rather than relying solely on their own intellect.

4. Responding to Scriptural Difficulty

Prudence’s final question—”What do you do when you meet with such places therein that you do not understand?”—elicits Matthew’s most revealing answer: “I think God is wiser than I. I pray also that He will please to let me know all therein that He knows will be for my good.” This response encapsulates several key themes:

• Trust in Divine Wisdom: Matthew’s acknowledgment that “God is wiser than I” reflects a posture of trust and submission. This echoes the humility of Job, who, after questioning God, ultimately bows before His incomprehensible wisdom (Job 42:1-6).
• Prayer for Illumination: Matthew’s practice of praying for understanding aligns with Puritan teachings on the necessity of divine assistance in interpreting Scripture. This reflects the belief that the Holy Spirit illuminates the Word for believers (John 16:13).
• Focus on What Is “For My Good”: Matthew’s prayer is not for exhaustive knowledge but for what is beneficial for his spiritual growth. This pragmatic approach mirrors Bunyan’s emphasis on practical divinity—the application of Scripture to daily life. It also echoes Romans 8:28, which assures believers that God works all things for their good.

5. Broader Implications

This dialogue serves as a microcosm of Pilgrim’s Progress‘s broader themes:

• The Journey of Faith: Matthew’s responses illustrate the pilgrim’s journey from ignorance to understanding, from self-reliance to dependence on God. His humility and trust in Scripture are hallmarks of a maturing faith.
• The Role of Dialogue: Bunyan frequently uses question-and-answer formats to explore theological concepts. This Socratic method not only engages readers but also mirrors the Puritan emphasis on catechesis and spiritual instruction.
• The Tension Between Knowledge and Mystery: The passage highlights the tension between the desire for understanding and the reality of human limitation. For Bunyan, this tension is resolved through faith, prayer, and reliance on God’s wisdom.

6. Relevance for Modern Readers

While rooted in 17th-century Puritanism, this passage remains relevant today:

• Theological Reflection: The questions Prudence asks—about God’s eternity, the authority of Scripture, and the limits of understanding—are timeless. They invite readers to reflect on their own beliefs and practices.
• Humility in Learning: Matthew’s humility is a model for modern readers, especially in an age of information overload and polarized debates. His approach encourages intellectual modesty and a willingness to seek divine guidance.
• Practical Faith: Matthew’s focus on what is “for my good” reminds readers that spiritual growth is not about mastering abstract doctrines but about applying truth to life. This resonates with contemporary calls for authentic, lived faith.

Conclusion

This passage from Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2 encapsulates the theological and spiritual concerns of Bunyan’s work. Through Prudence and Matthew’s dialogue, Bunyan explores the eternity of God, the sanctity of Scripture, and the humility required to navigate its mysteries. Matthew’s responses reflect the ideal pilgrim: one who trusts in God’s wisdom, relies on Scripture, and seeks divine guidance through prayer. For Bunyan’s original audience, this passage would have reinforced core Puritan values; for modern readers, it offers timeless insights into faith, humility, and the pursuit of understanding.