Redimete Diem!

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of the time, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-16, ESV)

Home  |  The Pilgrim's Progress  |  Worship  |  Sermons | Courses
Christian Ethics  |  Miscellany  | Family |  Questions, etc.

Notes Regarding the Characters in
Pilgrim's Progress

Lesson #9

Entering the Valley - There is an ever-present danger for Christians who have been well fed and favored with special blessings to become puffed up; therefore, for the good of the soul, the flesh must be humbled and kept low lest spiritual pride exist.  It is hard to go down into the Valley of Humiliation without slipping into murmuring and discontent and questioning God as to why events are happening.  Believers must continually remind themselves that it is God who knows what is best, not they, and must desire what will bring God the most glory. (Bradley, p. 40)

            The humiliation requisite for receiving Christ, obtaining peace, and making a good confession of the faith, is general and indistinct, compared with that which subsequent trials and conflicts will produce; and the Lord commonly dispenses comfort and humiliating experiences alternately, that the believer may neither be elated nor depressed above measure (2 Cor. 12:1-5); the valley of Humiliation, therefore, is very judiciously placed beyond the house Beautiful." (Scott, p. 149-150)

Apollyon - In this valley Christian meets Apollyon and here he tries out his armor.  Bunyan has not illustrated the Christian life on earth as a vacation in paradise spent sitting on the beach in a lawn chair.  Christian has been given weapons to fight with, not play with.  it is the mind-set of our present day that this life is to be full of ease and comfort.  The abundant life Christ spoke of is understood to mean physical comforts of every kind.  The teachings of Christ and the apostles were quite different.  Their preaching was about athletes in training, strangers and aliens to this world, and great battles to be fought and won.  The battle that is raging for the souls of men demands that we be suited at all times with the complete armor of God, and any soldier who would put down his sword or misplace any of his armor during battle is to be considered most foolish. (Bradley, p. 40)

            Apollyon signifies the destroyer (Rev. 9:11) and in carrying on the work of destruction, fallen angels endeavour by various devices to deter men from prayer, and to render them afraid of those things, without which the life of faith cannot be maintained; in order that, after convictions, they may be led to give up religion, as the only method of recovering composure of mind.  Many, ‘having no root in themselves,’ thus gradually fall away; and others are greatly retarded: but the well instructed believer sees no safety, except in facing his enemy.  If there appears to be danger, in persevering, ruin is inevitable if he desist (for Christian ‘had no armour for his back’) even fear, therefore, will in that case induce a man to stand his ground, and the more resolutely he resists temptation, the sooner will he regain his tranquillity: for when the suggestions of Satan excite us to pray more fervently, and to be more diligent in every service, that enemy will ‘flee from us’.  Perhaps some may remember a time when they were so harnessed as almost to despair of relief; who have since been so entirely delivered, that, were it not for the recollection of their own past experience, they would be ready to ascribe all such things to disease or enthusiasm, notwithstanding all that the Scripture contains on the subject." (Scott, p. 151)

            Apollyon’s accusations against Christian rightly earn him the title ‘accuser of the brethren’ (Rev. 12:10), but Christian counters him by exaggerating his charges and thus elating the grace and mercy of God in pardoning so freely.  Also, Christian claims that he now groans under and sorrows over the remaining evils.  We then see how such humbling of ourselves and exalting Christ puts Satan in a rage. (Bradley, p. 41)

            The description of Apollyon implies, that the combat afterwards recorded particularly represented the terrors by which evil spirits attempt to drive professors out of their path.  Other temptations, though perhaps more dangerous, are not so distressing: ‘Satan can transform himself into an angel of light’; and indeed he is a very Proteus, who can assume any form, as best suits his purpose.  As all have been overcome by the temptations of the devil, and ‘of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought into bondage’; so by [seizing control], he is become the god and prince of this world, and we have all been his slaves. (Scott, p. 152)

            If such temptations prove ineffectual, Satan will perhaps assault the believer, by representing to his mind, with every possible aggravation, the several instances of his misconduct, since he professed the Gospel, in order to heighten his apprehensions of being found at last a hypocrite: when the soul is discouraged and gloomy, he will be as assiduous in representing every false step to be a horrid crime inconsistent with a state of grace, as he is at other times in persuading men, that the most flagrant violations of the Divine law are mere trifles.  In repelling such suggestions, the well-instructed believer will neither deny the charge, nor extenuate his guilt; but he will flee for refuge to the free grace of the Gospel, and take comfort from the consciousness that he now hates, and groans under the remains of those evils, which once he wholly lived in without remorse; thence inferring, that ‘his sins, though many, are forgiven.’ (Scott, p. 152-3)

            [I]f we duly reflect upon the Lord's permission to Satan, in respect of Job, with the efforts and effects that followed; and if we compare it with the tempter's desire of sifting Peter and the other apostles as wheat - we shall not be greatly at a loss about our author's meaning.  This enemy is sometimes gratified with such an arrangement of outward dispensations as most favours his assaults: so that the believer's path seems to be wholly obstructed.  The Lord himself appears to have forsaken him, or even to fight against him; and his appointments are deemed contrary to his promises.  This gives Satan an opportunity of suggesting hard thoughts of God and his ways, doubts about the truth of the Scriptures, and desponding fears of a fatal event to a self-denying course of religion.  Many such ‘fiery darts’ may be repelled or quenched by the shield of faith; but there are seasons (as some of us well know) when they are poured in so incessantly, and receive such plausibility from facts and when they so interrupt a man while praying, reading, or meditating, that he is tempted to intermit religious duties, to avoid their [fellow Christians]. (Scott, p. 155-6)

            Thus the enemy ‘wounds him in his understanding, faith, and conversation,’ (according to the author's own interpretation of his meaning,) yet he cannot find relief in this manner; but is inwardly constrained, with renewed efforts, to return to the conflict.  But when such temptations are long continued, resistance will gradually become more feeble; the distressed believer will be ready to give up everything; and when the enemy plies him closely with infidel suggestions, to which his circumstances give a specious occasion, he may be thrown down, and ‘his sword may fly out of his hand’: so that for a time he may be unable to give any credit to the truth of the Scriptures, by which alone he was before enables to repel the tempter.  This is a dreadful case: and could true faith thus finally and entirely fail, even real Christians must perish. ... But the advocate above ‘prays’ for his disciples, ‘that their faith should not fail’ (Lk. 22:31-32).  So that, though Peter fell with Judas, he was not left to perish with him.  The Christian, therefore, though ‘almost pressed to death’, and ready ‘to despair of life’, will, by the special grace of God, be helped again to seize his sword, and to use it with more effect than ever.  The Holy Spirit will bring to his mind, with the most convincing energy, the evidences of the divine inspiration of the Scripture, and enable him to rely on the promises: and thus, at length, the enemy will be put to flight, by testimonies of holy writ pertinently adduced, and more clearly understood than before. (Scott, p. 156-7)

Leaves from the Tree of Life - The ‘leaves of the tree of life’ (Rev. 22:2), represent the present benefits of the redemption of Christ: ‘the hand’ may be the emblem of those whom the Lord employs, as instruments in restoring to his discouraged servants ‘the joy of his salvation’.  The believer thus healed and refreshed, by meditation on the death of Christ, and other religious exercises, rests not in one victory, but presses forward, prepared for new conflicts; yet the enemy, once decidedly put to flight, seldom repeats the same assaults, at least for some time; because he will generally find the victor upon his guard on that side, though he may be surprised in some other way. (Scott, p. 160)

------------------------------------

notes taken from:

                The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan with Explanatory Notes by Thomas Scott, Swengel, PA:Reiner Pub., 1976.

                The Pilgrim’s Progress Study Guide by Maureen Bradley, Phillipsburg:NJ, 1994.

                Bunyan Characters in the Pilgrim's Progress by Alexander Whyte, London:Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, 1902.

Redimete Diem! Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-16, ESV)

Home  |  The Pilgrim's Progress  |  Worship  |  Sermons | Courses Christian Ethics  |  Miscellany  | Family |  Questions, etc.

Notes Regarding the Characters in Pilgrim's Progress Lesson #9 Entering the Valley - There is an ever-present danger for Christians who have been well fed and favored with special blessings to become puffed up; therefore, for the good of the soul, the flesh must be humbled and kept low lest spiritual pride exist.  It is hard to go down into the Valley of Humiliation without slipping into murmuring and discontent and questioning God as to why events are happening.  Believers must continually remind themselves that it is God who knows what is best, not they, and must desire what will bring God the most glory. (Bradley, p. 40)             The humiliation requisite for receiving Christ, obtaining peace, and making a good confession of the faith, is general and indistinct, compared with that which subsequent trials and conflicts will produce; and the Lord commonly dispenses comfort and humiliating experiences alternately, that the believer may neither be elated nor depressed above measure (2 Cor. 12:1-5); the valley of Humiliation, therefore, is very judiciously placed beyond the house Beautiful." (Scott, p. 149-150) Apollyon - In this valley Christian meets Apollyon and here he tries out his armor.  Bunyan has not illustrated the Christian life on earth as a vacation in paradise spent sitting on the beach in a lawn chair.  Christian has been given weapons to fight with, not play with.  it is the mind-set of our present day that this life is to be full of ease and comfort.  The abundant life Christ spoke of is understood to mean physical comforts of every kind.  The teachings of Christ and the apostles were quite different.  Their preaching was about athletes in training, strangers and aliens to this world, and great battles to be fought and won.  The battle that is raging for the souls of men demands that we be suited at all times with the complete armor of God, and any soldier who would put down his sword or misplace any of his armor during battle is to be considered most foolish. (Bradley, p. 40)             Apollyon signifies the destroyer (Rev. 9:11) and in carrying on the work of destruction, fallen angels endeavour by various devices to deter men from prayer, and to render them afraid of those things, without which the life of faith cannot be maintained; in order that, after convictions, they may be led to give up religion, as the only method of recovering composure of mind.  Many, ‘having no root in themselves,’ thus gradually fall away; and others are greatly retarded: but the well instructed believer sees no safety, except in facing his enemy.  If there appears to be danger, in persevering, ruin is inevitable if he desist (for Christian ‘had no armour for his back’) even fear, therefore, will in that case induce a man to stand his ground, and the more resolutely he resists temptation, the sooner will he regain his tranquillity: for when the suggestions of Satan excite us to pray more fervently, and to be more diligent in every service, that enemy will ‘flee from us’.  Perhaps some may remember a time when they were so harnessed as almost to despair of relief; who have since been so entirely delivered, that, were it not for the recollection of their own past experience, they would be ready to ascribe all such things to disease or enthusiasm, notwithstanding all that the Scripture contains on the subject." (Scott, p. 151)             Apollyon’s accusations against Christian rightly earn him the title ‘accuser of the brethren’ (Rev. 12:10), but Christian counters him by exaggerating his charges and thus elating the grace and mercy of God in pardoning so freely.  Also, Christian claims that he now groans under and sorrows over the remaining evils.  We then see how such humbling of ourselves and exalting Christ puts Satan in a rage. (Bradley, p. 41)             The description of Apollyon implies, that the combat afterwards recorded particularly represented the terrors by which evil spirits attempt to drive professors out of their path.  Other temptations, though perhaps more dangerous, are not so distressing: ‘Satan can transform himself into an angel of light’; and indeed he is a very Proteus, who can assume any form, as best suits his purpose.  As all have been overcome by the temptations of the devil, and ‘of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought into bondage’; so by [seizing control], he is become the god and prince of this world, and we have all been his slaves. (Scott, p. 152)             If such temptations prove ineffectual, Satan will perhaps assault the believer, by representing to his mind, with every possible aggravation, the several instances of his misconduct, since he professed the Gospel, in order to heighten his apprehensions of being found at last a hypocrite: when the soul is discouraged and gloomy, he will be as assiduous in representing every false step to be a horrid crime inconsistent with a state of grace, as he is at other times in persuading men, that the most flagrant violations of the Divine law are mere trifles.  In repelling such suggestions, the well-instructed believer will neither deny the charge, nor extenuate his guilt; but he will flee for refuge to the free grace of the Gospel, and take comfort from the consciousness that he now hates, and groans under the remains of those evils, which once he wholly lived in without remorse; thence inferring, that ‘his sins, though many, are forgiven.’ (Scott, p. 152-3)             [I]f we duly reflect upon the Lord's permission to Satan, in respect of Job, with the efforts and effects that followed; and if we compare it with the tempter's desire of sifting Peter and the other apostles as wheat - we shall not be greatly at a loss about our author's meaning.  This enemy is sometimes gratified with such an arrangement of outward dispensations as most favours his assaults: so that the believer's path seems to be wholly obstructed.  The Lord himself appears to have forsaken him, or even to fight against him; and his appointments are deemed contrary to his promises.  This gives Satan an opportunity of suggesting hard thoughts of God and his ways, doubts about the truth of the Scriptures, and desponding fears of a fatal event to a self-denying course of religion.  Many such ‘fiery darts’ may be repelled or quenched by the shield of faith; but there are seasons (as some of us well know) when they are poured in so incessantly, and receive such plausibility from facts and when they so interrupt a man while praying, reading, or meditating, that he is tempted to intermit religious duties, to avoid their [fellow Christians]. (Scott, p. 155-6)             Thus the enemy ‘wounds him in his understanding, faith, and conversation,’ (according to the author's own interpretation of his meaning,) yet he cannot find relief in this manner; but is inwardly constrained, with renewed efforts, to return to the conflict.  But when such temptations are long continued, resistance will gradually become more feeble; the distressed believer will be ready to give up everything; and when the enemy plies him closely with infidel suggestions, to which his circumstances give a specious occasion, he may be thrown down, and ‘his sword may fly out of his hand’: so that for a time he may be unable to give any credit to the truth of the Scriptures, by which alone he was before enables to repel the tempter.  This is a dreadful case: and could true faith thus finally and entirely fail, even real Christians must perish. ... But the advocate above ‘prays’ for his disciples, ‘that their faith should not fail’ (Lk. 22:31-32).  So that, though Peter fell with Judas, he was not left to perish with him.  The Christian, therefore, though ‘almost pressed to death’, and ready ‘to despair of life’, will, by the special grace of God, be helped again to seize his sword, and to use it with more effect than ever.  The Holy Spirit will bring to his mind, with the most convincing energy, the evidences of the divine inspiration of the Scripture, and enable him to rely on the promises: and thus, at length, the enemy will be put to flight, by testimonies of holy writ pertinently adduced, and more clearly understood than before. (Scott, p. 156-7) Leaves from the Tree of Life - The ‘leaves of the tree of life’ (Rev. 22:2), represent the present benefits of the redemption of Christ: ‘the hand’ may be the emblem of those whom the Lord employs, as instruments in restoring to his discouraged servants ‘the joy of his salvation’.  The believer thus healed and refreshed, by meditation on the death of Christ, and other religious exercises, rests not in one victory, but presses forward, prepared for new conflicts; yet the enemy, once decidedly put to flight, seldom repeats the same assaults, at least for some time; because he will generally find the victor upon his guard on that side, though he may be surprised in some other way. (Scott, p. 160) ------------------------------------ notes taken from:                 The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan with Explanatory Notes by Thomas Scott, Swengel, PA:Reiner Pub., 1976.                 The Pilgrim’s Progress Study Guide by Maureen Bradley, Phillipsburg:NJ, 1994.                 Bunyan Characters in the Pilgrim's Progress by Alexander Whyte, London:Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, 1902.

David G. Barker dave@ephesians515.com