9. Christian Gains a Companion

The conversation continues between Christian and his neighbors Pliable and Obstinate:

CHRISTIAN: I have been directed by a man whose name is Evangelist, to hasten toward a little gate that is before us, where we will receive further instruction about the way ahead.

PLIABLE: Come then, my good neighbor, let us be on our way. So, both of them went on together.

OBSTINATE: And I will go back to my own place. I will be no companion of such misled, fantastical [eccentric] fellows.

Now I saw in my dream that when Obstinate had turned back, Christian and Pliable talked as they went ahead over the plain; and thus, they entered into earnest conversation.

CHRISTIAN: Now tell me, neighbor Pliable; how are you getting along? I am glad you were persuaded to come along with me. Had even Obstinate felt what I have sensed concerning the powers and terrors of the world to come that are presently unseen, he would not have so lightly turned his back upon us.

PLIABLE: Then good neighbor Christian, since there are only the two of us here, do tell me further of the things that are ahead, what they are like, how they will be enjoyed, and where we are going.

CHRISTIAN: I can better appreciate them with my mind than with my tongue. Nevertheless, since you are eager to know, I will describe them to you from my book.

PLIABLE: And do you believe that the words of your book are certainly true?

CHRISTIAN: Yes, definitely so, for it was written by he who cannot possibly lie. (Titus 1:2)

John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress

1. Do you think Christian is glad that he now has a companion to join him on his journey.
2. Did you expect Obstinate to return home?
3. Do you think Pliable is coming along because of a heart conviction or is it something worldly driving his interest?
4. Did you notice that rather than using his own words, he relies on the book (Bible) that he carried with him?

As you will see throughout the story of Christian’s journey on the King’s Highway, we are often joined by many types of people as we go. Some good, some bad. Some beneficial, some detrimental. Some that are encouraging, some that are discouraging. But the journey is good, even in the difficult times and with the difficult people, our Heavenly Father makes sure of it.