Up to now, Christian has been in relative safety. His most urgent danger faced so far has been from Mr. Worldly Wiseman, though Christian's worst fear was of the lions, though they turned out to be harmless. Today's chapter turns violent, and Christian faces real danger for the first time.
Christian is now in the Valley of Humiliation. He goes only a short distance when he sees a disgusting fiend named Apollyon approaching him. Christian considers fleeing, but realizes that he is defenseless if he does so, as his armor does not cover his back. He resolves to stand his ground. Apollyon is hideous, covered with scales like a fish (his pride). He has wings like a dragon, feet like a bear, and out of his belly come fire and smoke, and his mouth is like the mouth of a lion.
He approaches Christian and questions him, "Where did you come from, and where are you going?"
Christian answers, "I've come from the City of Destruction, which is the Place of all Evil, and I'm going to the City of Zion."
Apollyon responds, "By this, I perceive you're one of my subjects, for all that country is mine, and I am the prince and god of it. How is it then that you've run away from your king? If it were not for my desire to have you serve me longer, I would now strike you down to the ground with one blow."
The following dialog is full of subtleties. I'm going to try to describe it accurately without quoting it verbatim, as it's rather long, but the lessons here are profound.
Christian then admits being born in Apollyon's empire, but also says that serving him was difficult, and the wages weren't all that good either, 'for the wages of sin is death'. Christian admits that when he reached maturity, he did the only wise thing and searched for a 'way to renew myself'. Apollyon then lays into Christian for his act of desertion, promising him mercy if he returns. Christian turns down the offer, but then Apollyon renews it, saying that it is common for those in Christian's position to return to him. Christian again turns down the offer, saying, "How can I then go back from this and not be hanged as a traitor?" Apollyon then says that Christian is already a traitor and all will be forgiven if he just returns to him. Christian again turns down Apollyon's offer, saying the benefits of following his new Lord and Prince are much better than those he knew before. Apollyon then counters by saying that most pilgrims come to an ill end, and that Christian's Lord has done little or nothing to save them. Christian replies that His (the Lord's) forbearance at such times is on purpose, to try their love, to see whether they will serve Him to the end; and as for the bad end, that is most glorious to their credit. Apollyon then accuses Christian of being unfaithful to his Lord, to which Christian replies, "And how, oh, Apollyon have I been unfaithful to Him?" Apollyon then lists all of Christians missteps during the way: the Swamp of Despondence, his departure from the path towards the town of Morality, his sleeping on the Hill of Difficulty and losing his Document, his fear in facing the lions, and even his pride for being in the path in the first place! Christian admits that his accuser speaks the truth, but that his Lord has forgiven him all these faults.
All hell now breaks loose. Apollyon breaks out into a rage, saying, "I'm an enemy of this prince! I hate his person, his laws, and his people. I've come here to opose you!" Christian warns Apollyon, "Beware of what you do, Apollyon, for I'm in the king's Highway, the Way of Holiness. Therefore, take heed to yourself." Apollyon then straddles the whole breadth of the Path, and says, "I'm void of fear in this matter. Prepare yourself to die, for I swear by my infernal abode that you wil go no farther. I will spill your soul here!"
Apollyon then shoots a flaming arrow at Christian's chest, but Christian deflects the arrow with his Shield. Christian draws his Sword as Apollyon charges him with a volley of arrows as thick as hail. Christian defends himself vigorously, but is wounded in his head, hands, and feet. Apollyon attacks more vigorously as Christian falls back. The fight goes on for over half a day, and eventually Apollyon forces Christian's sword out of his hand, but as Apollyon prepares for his final blow, Christian skillfully reaches out his hand and grasps his sword, saying, "Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise." Christian then exerts a deadly thrust, which makes Apollyon back off as if he had received a mortal wound. Christian attacks again, and Apollyon spreads out his dragon's wings and flees.
Christian then pauses to give thanksgiving and praise, and a Hand appears, holding some of the leaves of the Tree of Life. Christian is healed. He stops to eat some bread and drink from his bottle, and after feeling refreshed, continues his journey with his Sword drawn.
We are only halfway through Chapter 9, but I'm going to have to stop it here, as it is getting late. I will have to exploit another make up day later. In the second half of this chapter Christian proceeds through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. That will be the subject of tomorrow's blogging.
Thoughts on this chapter
Apollyon's biggest danger is his deception. He tempts Christian to abandon his quest. Christian is sure of himself, however; so the temptation is turned down. Other pilgrims may have taken Apollyon up on his offer, especially if they were not armed as Christian was. After Apollyon's temptation is rejected, half-truths and accusations flow forth from Apollyon's mouth in order to weaken Christian's resolve, even to the point of accusing him of pride for being on the path!
Christian's shield is the shield of faith, and his sword is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:16-17). His wounds to his head, hands, and feet represent setbacks in his understanding, faith, and Christian walk. [Bunyan]
Posted by joelfuhrmann at March 18, 2003 12:07 AM