False Witnesses

Journey to the Celestial City #57. In our continuing look at John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress,” today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, the latter having just offered introductory testimony before Judge Hate-good, he now must face his accusers. Envy, Superstition and Pickthank are thus brought to the stand. Upon taking his oath, Envy calls Faithful “one of the vilest (morally despicable) men in our country” promoting “principles of faith and holiness.” Superstition comes next to add that Faithful “is a very pestilent (causing displeasure, annoying) fellow” speaking against the religion of the town in his very hearing after all. Lastly, Pickthank (whose goal it always was to appear favorably to those in charge) points to Faithful’s contemptible speech as regards the honorable townsfolk including the Lord Desire of Vain Glory, the Lord Lechery (known for his “inordinate indulgence in sexual activity”) and Sir Having Greedy. And just as Christ was misrepresented in the trials and examinations leading up to His crucifixion, so His people will likewise be accused falsely. There ought not be anything in our lives that a person could use against us except by deceit. “Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, in order that they might put Him to death; and they did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward.” (Matthew 26:59-60a) “‘Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'” (Matthew 5:11-12) More to come in the next blog post. Check back soon. (To read this entire blog post series, scroll down to “Pilgrim’s Progress Series” in the left sidebar.) pp 85-87