A Gospel-Driven Ministry

In 17th-century England, the Puritan preacher John Bunyan found himself in prison for failing to conform to the doctrines of the Anglican Church. The magistrates, who were inclined to release him, made it known that he was free to go as soon as he agreed not to preach any longer. Bunyan is reported to have said, “If you release me today, I will preach tomorrow.” In fact, Bunyan never waited for his release to continue preaching. It's recorded that Bunyan went right on preaching in the courtyard of the jail—in such a compelling manner, and at such a loud volume, that people would gather outside the prison each day to hear him preach. Eventually, the guards placed him deep in the center of the prison so that he couldn't be heard outside, and for much of the next decade he was condemned to solitude and silence. But it was in that silence that he would speak loudest of all, as he used that time to write The Pilgrim's Progress—perhaps the most popular Christian book outside of the Bible itself, through which he continues to preach to millions of Christians through multiple centuries...

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