The Pilgrims Meet the Flatterers

The Pilgrims Meet the Flatterers (Chapter 17)

Next our pilgrims meet the Flaterer.  We observe that not only gospel hypocrites but also real disciples are sometimes led astray by delusions not examined in the light of Scripture, leading to self-righteousness and spiritual pride.  Graciously rescued from the net of their error, Christian and Hopeful are disciplined and go softly along the right way singing.  A man with his back towards Zion comes up to them.  This so-called seeker of twenty years proves to be another enemy of the cross.

1.       The Pilgrims came to an intersection where they meet a dark skinned man in a light colored robe who said he was on his way to the Celestial City and they should follow him.  How is this man like 2nd Corinthians 11:13-15 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”

2.       How could the Pilgrims have avoided the net?

3.       Who rescues Christian and Hopeful and how? The Shining One, but who does this represent?

4.       What means did he use to correct and caution them?

5.       Next the pilgrims meet “a man with his back toward Zion.”  What is his name, what advice does he give to Christian and Hopeful, and why does he give it?

6.       I did not really appreciate the way in which Christian tests Hopeful on what Atheist said.

After dealing quite triumphantly, in their opinion, with Little-Faith, haughty Christian and Hopeful continue on their way.  This attitude of superiority to weak Christians quickly leads to a bad situation for both of them.  Their high-mindedness causes them to lean to their own knowledge and choose a way that seems to lie as straight as the way by which they should go.  This choice is made without consulting Scripture and without prayer.  The black figure clothed in white is the white devil of self-righteousness and is more dangerous than the black devil of open  sin.  We see that by small degrees the pilgrims’ faces are turned away from Christ and the correct path and that they are soon entangled in the net of their own prideful error.

A shining one then comes to their rescue.  This shining one is meant to represent the Holy Spirit who is the leader and guide for all believers.

When tempted to disbelief, we should do as Christian and Hopeful do; remember past visions of Mount Zion (lean on past experiences of God’s deliverance) and remember corrections for past mistakes.