THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN

by John Bunyan

Wherein several great and weighty things are as, the nature of prayer, and of obedience to the law, with how it obliges Christians, and wherein it consists. Wherein is also shewed, the equally deplorable condition of the Pharisee, or hypocritical and self-righteous man; and of the Publican, or sinner that lives in sin, and in open violation of the Divine laws. Together with the way and method of God's FREE GRACE in pardoning penitent sinners; proving that He justifies them by imputing Christ's righteousness to them. "As a theological treatise, the Pharisee and Publican is invaluable. It is clear and perfectly intelligible to every candid and prayerful inquirer. When our author is proving the impossibility of a sinner's recommending himself to the divine favour by any imperfect good works of his own, he draws a vivid picture. A lord invites his friends to a sumptuous banquet, the provision is bountiful and in rich abundance, when some of the guests take a few mouldy crusts out of their pockets and lay them on their plates, lest the prince had not provided a sufficient repast for his friends; "would it not be a high affront to, a great contempt of, and a distrust in, the goodness of the Lord." We are bound to produce good works as a fruit of faith-a proof of love to him that hath redeemed us, but not to recommend us to his favour. The picture of such a feast drawn by John Bunyan must make upon every reader a deep, a lasting, an indelible impression. How bitter and how true is the irony, when the Pharisee is represented as saying, "I came to thy feast out of civility, but for thy dainties I need them not, I have enough of my own; I thank thee for thy kindness, but I am not as those that stand in need of thy provisions, nor yet as this Publican." The language is bold and striking, but it exhibits the unvarnished truth; an inward change of nature is the only cause of good and acceptable works-good or evil actions are but the evidences of our state by grace or by nature-they do not work that change or produce that state.It is a soul-humbling view of our state of death by sin, or of life by the righteousness and obedience of Christ." George Offor, editor.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Classics, Nonfiction, Religion

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1685

About the author

John Bunyan, a Christian writer and preacher, was born at Harrowden (one mile south-east of Bedford), in the Parish of Elstow, England. He wrote The Pilgrim's Progress, arguably the most famous published Christian allegory. In the Church of England he is remembered with a Lesser Festival on 30 August.

Reviews

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never a more in depth analysis of the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector will you see than in this book by John Bunyan. His insights are often amazing, but also, due to the length of the work, it can be tedious in points too, as ground is often retrod.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult. Worth it.

This book was difficult to read. First, it was difficult in the sense that the language is older and at times I felt that I needed a translator to get through. Be prepared for a jolt If you're in the habit of reading contemporary works and then dive into this one.

Second, it was difficult in the sense of conviction. I found Bunyan's handling of this Biblical text to be superb and, as a result, I saw much of myself in both the Pharisee and the Publican. I felt convicted of sin, challenged in my prayers and understanding of God and relationship with Him, and encouraged to continue pursuing what began for me over 20 years ago.

Finally, if you're up for the challenge of non-contemporary English (and even if you're not), I would recommend this book to you. For a non-religious person, it would perhaps give some enlightenment into how Christians read and interpret Scripture, besides a primer on the Gospel itself. For a believer, I hope it would challenge you to see yourself before God in a new light, convicted anew over sin and cherishing once again the salvation you have graciously received. It's a worthy read for all.

[Chris Pridemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging yet in-depth study of the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Painted a bleak picture of the eternal fate of those who are relying upon any self-righteousness on judgment day.

[Aaron Schuschu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite lengthy for the point to be made, but perhaps Bunyan at his best, as far as I have read of him.