Pilgrim's Progress 6

(Christian and Faithful enter Vanity Fair)

Welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we have reached the Sixth Stage: Evangelist overtakes Christian and Faithful; Vanity Fair; the Pilgrims brought to trial; and Faithful's martyrdom

At the beginning of this section Evangelist reunites with Christian and Faithful. They share their past experiences with Evangelist. Evangelist then encourages them to continue in the faith. He warns them of trials to come. "You are not yet out of the gun-shot of the devil; you have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin; let the kingdom be always before you, and believe steadfastly concerning things that are invisible." I don't know about you, but I often feel as though I am 'not yet out of the gun-shot of the devil.' He seems to always have us in his crosshairs!

Once Evangelist leaves them, Christian and Faithful find themselves at the city Vanity. Now remember, that Christian and Faithful are still on the narrow path. They are still going in the right direction. They have not taken a detour. Others have written that Vanity was in reality the city of destruction that Christian and Faithful had previously left behind. Formerly, they were citizens and residents of this city. Now they enter it as foreigners. Formerly, they would have fit right in with this crowd. Now, they speak differently. They dress differently. They have different desires.

Ultimately they are arrested and put on trial. 'Witnesses' are called to testify against them. Faithful's defense reminds me of Martin Luther. He says, "What rule, or laws, or custom, or people, were flat against the Word of God, are diametrically opposite to Christianity." In other words, God's law is to obeyed more than man's law.

Your Turn

Now it is that time of the week where I encourage others to contribute their thoughts. Few ever do, but I still always ask. Let us know what lessons you learned through your reading. What was your favorite part and why? Were you challenged by what you read?

Next Week

Next Monday we will discuss the Seventh Stage: Christian and Hopeful; By-ends and his companions; plain of Ease; Lucre-hill; Demas; the River of Life; Vain-Confidence; Giant Despair; the Pilgrims beaten; the Dungeon; the Key of Promise