The Pilgrim’s Progress
May 31, 2020 • Chris Reighley
Introduction
In one of the most unforgettable scenes of The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and Faithful arrive at Vanity Fair—and everything changes. Gone are the quiet valleys and solitary trials. Here the full weight of the world confronts them. This isn’t just a fair—it’s a spiritual battlefield disguised as a marketplace. Vanity Fair is loud, seductive, violent, and ancient, created by Beelzebub himself to distract, detain, and destroy those bound for the Celestial City.
But the pilgrims do not flinch. They speak heaven’s language, wear heaven’s robes, and scorn the vanities that others cherish. For this, they are mocked, beaten, imprisoned—and put on trial. Faithful pays the ultimate price, sealing his testimony with blood. Yet, in one of Bunyan’s most beautiful reversals, the martyrdom of Faithful becomes his coronation. As flames consume his body, a chariot from heaven carries his soul to glory.
This episode is not just a tale of persecution. It’s a call to boldness, discernment, and joy in suffering. It reminds us that in every age, gospel-centered lives will clash with worldly systems—and that the blood of the martyrs is never wasted.
“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
— Revelation 2:10
Episode Outline: The Sixth Stage
Title: “Faithful Unto Death: The Trial at Vanity Fair”
PART 1: Evangelist’s Final Warning
- Evangelist reappears, offering encouragement and exhortation.
- Warns that trial, imprisonment, and even death await in Vanity.
- Tells them: Hold fast to what you have; the crown is before you.
- Application: The faithful pastor prepares his flock for suffering, not just comfort (2 Tim. 4:5; 1 Pet. 4:12).
PART 2: The Town of Vanity and the Nature of the Fair
- Vanity Fair is ancient—designed by Beelzebub to ensnare pilgrims.
- Sells everything: from souls to pleasures, religion to riches.
- Pilgrims cannot avoid it; the King’s Highway runs straight through.
- Application: The world system (1 John 2:15–17) is unavoidable—but must not be loved.
PART 3: The Pilgrims’ Distinction
- Their clothes, speech, and values are radically different.
- Refuse to buy vanity—declare, “We buy the truth” (Prov. 23:23).
- The world mocks, assaults, and eventually imprisons them.
- Application: Holiness always provokes hostility (2 Tim. 3:12).
PART 4: The Trial of Christian and Faithful
- Judge: Lord Hategood; jury: Mr. Blind-man, Mr. No-good, Mr. Malice, etc.
- False witnesses: Envy, Superstition, Pickthank.
- Faithful boldly defends the gospel, exposes false religion, and refuses to recant.
- Verdict: Guilty. Sentence: Death.
- Application: Faithful witness may cost us everything—but gains us eternity (Acts 20:24).
PART 5: The Martyrdom of Faithful
- Faithful is scourged, beaten, stabbed, stoned, and burned.
- Heaven responds: a chariot and horses carry him to the Celestial City.
- Christian, spared for now, reflects and presses on.
- Application: Death is not defeat for the believer—it is promotion (Phil. 1:21–23).
PART 6: Christian Remains Behind
- Remanded to prison for a time, Christian is later delivered by providence.
- He sings a tribute to his friend: “Well, Faithful, thou hast faithfully professed…”
- Application: The world may silence the voice of one pilgrim—but the gospel marches on.
Key Scriptures:
- Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful unto death…”
- 1 Peter 4:12–19 – Suffering according to God’s will
- Acts 14:22 – “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom”
- Hebrews 11:36–38 – “Of whom the world was not worthy”
Key Applications:
- We must pass through Vanity Fair – Faithful living will provoke worldly opposition.
- Suffering for truth is inevitable – And joyfully endurable when fixed on eternity.
- Martyrdom is not failure – It is faithfulness crowned.
- God overrules all things – No trial escapes His sovereign hand.