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The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Guided Tour
The Pilgrim’s Progress, written by John Bunyan over 300 years ago, is one of the most widely-circulated books ever to be published in the English language. In spite of its popularity in the past, many people today are not familiar with this masterpiece. Join respected pastor and theologian Dr. Derek Thomas as he takes readers along this allegorical journey, showing that Christians have as much to gain from this book today as they did hundreds of years ago.
Audiobook
First published January 31, 2014
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About the author
Derek W.H. Thomas
59 books65 followersOriginally from Wales, Dr. Derek Thomas is the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi. After pastoring for 17 years in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dr Thomas returned to the USA in 1996 where, in addition to his work at the seminary, he serves as the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.
In addition to serving in the pastorate, Derek has served as editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian, a monthly denominational magazine. A 1978 graduate of RTS, he gained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Lampeter, in Calvin’s preaching on the book of Job. He has written numerous books, including The Storm Breaks: Job Simply Explained, Wisdom: the Key to Living God’s Way, and God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained, Making the Most of Your Devotional Life based on the Ascent Psalms, and Praying the Savior’s Way, based on the Lord’s Prayer. Recently he published Let’s Study Revelation (Banner of Truth), Let’s Study Galatians (Banner of Truth), and Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God (Christian Focus). He also co-edited, Give Praise To God: A Vision for Reforming Worship (P & R).
His interests include the music of Anton Bruckner, Richard Wagner and Gustav Mahler as well as a passion for good coffee.
He has been married to his wife, Rosemary, for almost 30 years. They have two adult children, Ellen and Owen.
In addition to serving in the pastorate, Derek has served as editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian, a monthly denominational magazine. A 1978 graduate of RTS, he gained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Lampeter, in Calvin’s preaching on the book of Job. He has written numerous books, including The Storm Breaks: Job Simply Explained, Wisdom: the Key to Living God’s Way, and God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained, Making the Most of Your Devotional Life based on the Ascent Psalms, and Praying the Savior’s Way, based on the Lord’s Prayer. Recently he published Let’s Study Revelation (Banner of Truth), Let’s Study Galatians (Banner of Truth), and Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God (Christian Focus). He also co-edited, Give Praise To God: A Vision for Reforming Worship (P & R).
His interests include the music of Anton Bruckner, Richard Wagner and Gustav Mahler as well as a passion for good coffee.
He has been married to his wife, Rosemary, for almost 30 years. They have two adult children, Ellen and Owen.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 10, 2019
I thoroughly profited from listening to Derek Thomas’s commentary as I read “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” I encourage you to listen to his 18 lessons as a guide to the classic allegory. It teaches and instructs in a very understandable way.
Did you know “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is the second most published text in the English language, following only the Holy Bible? It was found in most Christian homes of the 17th century yet it is in danger of falling out of favor in today’s generation.
The title “Pilgrim’s Progress” refers to Christian’s and other pilgrims’ path and progress to death. It is hard to think upon death as “progress” but this book urges one to be prepared for we will all are traveling this path. This may sound maudlin, and, yes, the book is difficult but the book is one that ends with celebration and rejoicing.
As Thomas says, “Have your bags packed and be ready to go.”
Did you know “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is the second most published text in the English language, following only the Holy Bible? It was found in most Christian homes of the 17th century yet it is in danger of falling out of favor in today’s generation.
The title “Pilgrim’s Progress” refers to Christian’s and other pilgrims’ path and progress to death. It is hard to think upon death as “progress” but this book urges one to be prepared for we will all are traveling this path. This may sound maudlin, and, yes, the book is difficult but the book is one that ends with celebration and rejoicing.
As Thomas says, “Have your bags packed and be ready to go.”
September 20, 2021
I thoroughly profited from listening to Derek Thomas’s commentary as I read “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” I encourage you to listen to his 19 lessons as a guide to the classic allegory. It teaches and instructs in a very understandable way.
Did you know “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is the second most published text in the English language, following only the Holy Bible? It was found in most Christian homes of the 17th century yet it is in danger of falling out of favor in today’s generation.
The title “Pilgrim’s Progress” refers to Christian’s and other pilgrims’ path and progress to death. It is hard to think upon death as “progress” but this book urges one to be prepared for we will all are traveling this path. This may sound maudlin, and, yes, the book is difficult but the book is one that ends with celebration and rejoicing.
As Thomas says, “Have your bags packed and be ready to go.”
Did you know “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is the second most published text in the English language, following only the Holy Bible? It was found in most Christian homes of the 17th century yet it is in danger of falling out of favor in today’s generation.
The title “Pilgrim’s Progress” refers to Christian’s and other pilgrims’ path and progress to death. It is hard to think upon death as “progress” but this book urges one to be prepared for we will all are traveling this path. This may sound maudlin, and, yes, the book is difficult but the book is one that ends with celebration and rejoicing.
As Thomas says, “Have your bags packed and be ready to go.”
September 29, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this.
A series of lectures about Pilgrim's Progress (part 1 and part 2). I listened to this before re-reading TPP. Gives it a more pastoral message and application. I got chills a few times while listening because PP gives me chills and Derek W.H. Thomas does a great job teaching through this book, scripture, and the gospel in each chapter. Also, he's right. More people need to read part 2.
The only thing holding me back from giving it a 5 star is that is isn't a book. Derek, you should turn your lectures into a book!
Next time you read Pilgrim's Progress, read this either before or alongside.
A series of lectures about Pilgrim's Progress (part 1 and part 2). I listened to this before re-reading TPP. Gives it a more pastoral message and application. I got chills a few times while listening because PP gives me chills and Derek W.H. Thomas does a great job teaching through this book, scripture, and the gospel in each chapter. Also, he's right. More people need to read part 2.
The only thing holding me back from giving it a 5 star is that is isn't a book. Derek, you should turn your lectures into a book!
Next time you read Pilgrim's Progress, read this either before or alongside.
October 27, 2018
Helpful course on the Pilgrim's Progress, part one and two. I really enjoyed his insights and overview. His commentary on the second section was especially helpful since it is lesser known.
For any book as influential and beneficial as Pilgrim's Progress it is worth taking a course like this in order to better appreciate your regular readings of the book (I mean that).
For any book as influential and beneficial as Pilgrim's Progress it is worth taking a course like this in order to better appreciate your regular readings of the book (I mean that).
April 12, 2019
An excellent overview and explanation of The Pilgrim’s Progress. I wanted to go through this overview before getting back into TPP and reading it to the end for the first time so that I can better see and understand the allegory. Great information throughout.
December 31, 2025
Excellent teaching series to accompany reading Pilgrim’s Progress. I’m grateful for the insight provided in this guided tour, as it helped to explain the meaning of certain difficult to understand allegories, as well as additional background information on John Bunyan and the 17th century context.
February 26, 2016
Pilgrim's Progress is probably my favorite book. I have listened to a few different versions. This is a commentary on the story. Derek Thomas does a fantastic job explaining the meaning behind some of the peculiar things that are said or done in the story. If Pilgrim's Progress is one of your favorites I think you need to get this and take your understanding of that text even further. I purchased it at the Ligonier Ministries website during the $5 Friday deals.
December 19, 2014
This was really helpful to understanding what all Bunyan is doing in Pilgrim's Progress.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews