What do you think?
Rate this book
A Long Line of Godly Men Profile
The Mighty Weakness of John Knox
The book is a profile of the great Scottish reformer John Knox. It focuses on the extraordinary power with which he ministered and the extraordinary things he accomplished despite being physically ill and weak, making the point that he found his strength in the Lord. We hope it will introduce readers to one of the most fascinating figures of the Reformation, filling a large void in popular-level books on Knox. We also hope it will challenge readers to draw near to God for the strength they need in their walk with God.
151 pages, Hardcover
First published May 15, 2011
45 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Bond
79 books227 followersDouglas Bond, author of more than thirty books--several now in Dutch, Portuguese, Romanian, and Korean--is father of six, and grandfather of eleven--and counting--is Director for the Oxford Creative Writing Master Class and the Carolina Creative Writing Master Class, two-time Grace Award book finalist, adjunct instructor in Church history, recent advisory member to the national committee for Reformed University Fellowship, award-winning teacher, speaker at conferences, and leader of Church history tours in Europe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 9, 2019
Overall, I thought this was a pretty solid biography of John Knox. I wasn’t aware that much of Knox’s reputation had been shrouded in accusations of misogyny by contemporary scholars, particularly with regards to his vitriolic tract, “The First Blast of the Trumpet against the Monstrous Regiment of Women.” I appreciate the fact that Douglas Bond shows us the historical context in which the tract was written. Not only does Bond reveal to us Knox the preacher-theologian, but he also gives us a glimpse of Knox, the person. One thing is for sure; the fiery Knox believed that the gospel was powerful enough to overturn heretics in the church as well as political tyrants. For Knox, Jesus rules everywhere; church and state. Interesting man indeed. I just wish that the author spent more time on Knox’s theology rather than his controversies.
June 30, 2019
This is a rather brief introduction to and a defense of one of the most prominent Reformation leaders. It starts out with a short section showing just how forgotten and even despised John Knox is even in his home country. That part was a little heartbreaking. So do you know anything about him and what he did to be remembered?
As the author reminds us several times throughout the book, there really isn’t much known about his personal life or weekly preaching. So the section of this book that introduces him is relatively short. The vast majority of the book discusses his doctrinal beliefs as we know them from his published writings. This is the section where the author felt the most need to defend Knox’s actions and some of his teachings against modern politically correct or feminist sensibilities. Then it ends with the Scots Confession of Faith which he helped write.
It was interesting but felt rather rushed.
As the author reminds us several times throughout the book, there really isn’t much known about his personal life or weekly preaching. So the section of this book that introduces him is relatively short. The vast majority of the book discusses his doctrinal beliefs as we know them from his published writings. This is the section where the author felt the most need to defend Knox’s actions and some of his teachings against modern politically correct or feminist sensibilities. Then it ends with the Scots Confession of Faith which he helped write.
It was interesting but felt rather rushed.
February 22, 2019
A leitura até parece enfadonha no começo, mas torna-se empolgante no meio e ainda emocionante ao final. Mas sou suspeita para falar: amo ler sobre Knox, Escócia, Presbiterianismo, Covenanters!
Sou grata a Deus pela vida deste homem (fraco, porém forte), que pregava com intrepidez, paixão e temor ao Senhor.
Sou grata a Deus pela vida deste homem (fraco, porém forte), que pregava com intrepidez, paixão e temor ao Senhor.
December 15, 2012
“The Mighty Weakness of John Knox” serves its purpose in providing just enough detail on John Knox’s life and theology to whet one’s appetite. It’s comprised of one short biographical chapter and the remainder consists of various aspects of Knox’s life and doctrine. If you’re looking for an easy entry into this Reformers life, this is an excellent start. But if you’re looking for an in-depth biography, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.
November 22, 2012
The writing is dry and made the most exciting episodes of Knox's life seem boring which they were not.
December 10, 2021
I appreciate biographies of those who've gone before us in the faith. Knox kept putting one foot in front of the other and that changed the course of Scottish history. He never set out to be great. May I grow in humble faithfulness and be used by God, too.
Read aloud with Shaune
Read aloud with Shaune
February 23, 2022
In a short biography, Bond excellently demonstrates Knox’s fiery preaching, reliance upon God in prayer, and defense of the gospel against Rome’s perversions. I am deeply strengthened by Knox’s boldness.
June 6, 2024
John Knox is an interesting man. He was a powerful force in the reformation. He pastored English refugee congregations in ‘Calvin’s Geneva’. When Knox returned to Scotland he played a large role in drafting the Scots Confession of Faith. Knox preached in Scotland from 1559 to 1572, when he died in Edinburgh. Few of his actual sermons have been found or preserved.
Bond shows us Knox as a man transformed from weakness to might by God’s power. Amazing to consider this man ever being weak, since he was so powerfully used by God.
Bond shows us Knox as a man transformed from weakness to might by God’s power. Amazing to consider this man ever being weak, since he was so powerfully used by God.
March 25, 2024
He was an interesting guy. This is a short read and highlights aspects of his ministry as much or more than the particulars of his life.
April 25, 2016
My Rating – If You are Looking for Something
Level – Short, easy
Summary
It’s difficult to write a summary of a biography. The book itself is a biography of the life of John Knox. To hit some high points: Knox was friends with John Calvin in Geneva, preached to an English speaking church in Frankfurt, help occupy a castle and endured a siege, was on a slave galley (rowing for a ship) for 18 months, preached before kings and queens, and helped write the Scots Confession.
Bond’s central theme for this short biography is contrasting Knox’s physical weakness with his spiritual might. Apparently, Knox was small and frail and suffered lasting injuries from his time in the galley. When first asked to preach/teach during the castle siege, he ran away crying. However, once he gave in to God’s call, he preached like a trumpet blast and produced many writings as well.
The end of the book also contains the Scots Confession, which is a short (25 articles) confession that is well worth reading.
My Thoughts
This is my first encounter with the ‘Long Line of Godly Men Profiles’ series and will likely not be my last. I knew basically nothing about Knox, other than he was Scottish and was responsible for the Presbyterian Church. His life was interesting enough, and the author wrote well with a clear passion for Knox.
However, one thing I did not like was how often it seemed that Bond was being defensive of Knox. Maybe it is because knew very little of him, but Bond was constantly raising criticisms and then almost too briefly dismissing them. Maybe the legacy of Knox is questioned or viewed negatively, I couldn’t say, but this aspect gave the book an apologetic tone.
Overall, if you are looking for a biography on someone from the Reformation, this is a good start. John Knox led a very interesting life; but if you already know a decent amount about him, there are probably better biographies. This book has piqued my interest in him enough to search out a more in-depth biography.
www.MondayMorningTheologian.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Level – Short, easy
Summary
It’s difficult to write a summary of a biography. The book itself is a biography of the life of John Knox. To hit some high points: Knox was friends with John Calvin in Geneva, preached to an English speaking church in Frankfurt, help occupy a castle and endured a siege, was on a slave galley (rowing for a ship) for 18 months, preached before kings and queens, and helped write the Scots Confession.
Bond’s central theme for this short biography is contrasting Knox’s physical weakness with his spiritual might. Apparently, Knox was small and frail and suffered lasting injuries from his time in the galley. When first asked to preach/teach during the castle siege, he ran away crying. However, once he gave in to God’s call, he preached like a trumpet blast and produced many writings as well.
The end of the book also contains the Scots Confession, which is a short (25 articles) confession that is well worth reading.
My Thoughts
This is my first encounter with the ‘Long Line of Godly Men Profiles’ series and will likely not be my last. I knew basically nothing about Knox, other than he was Scottish and was responsible for the Presbyterian Church. His life was interesting enough, and the author wrote well with a clear passion for Knox.
However, one thing I did not like was how often it seemed that Bond was being defensive of Knox. Maybe it is because knew very little of him, but Bond was constantly raising criticisms and then almost too briefly dismissing them. Maybe the legacy of Knox is questioned or viewed negatively, I couldn’t say, but this aspect gave the book an apologetic tone.
Overall, if you are looking for a biography on someone from the Reformation, this is a good start. John Knox led a very interesting life; but if you already know a decent amount about him, there are probably better biographies. This book has piqued my interest in him enough to search out a more in-depth biography.
www.MondayMorningTheologian.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
January 19, 2016
O problema com este livro é apenas um: ele foi escrito de maneira superficial.
E para contrapôr isso, o autor tenta entregar os fatos embrulhados para presente, ao invés de dar informações sobre os mesmos.
O pior de tudo, é que eu não acho que ele tenha sido escrito dessa maneira por deficiência intelectual de quem escreveu, e sim por escolha comercial.
Apenas um exemplo deste estilo tipicamente americano em que o livro está escrito e, na minha opinião, o compromete: contrapor um "Calvinismo tofu" a um "calvinismo altamente protéico"
Haja paciência. Mesmo. Não teria lido este livro se meu irmão não tivesse feito questão de me emprestá-lo, antes mesmo de lê-lo.
E sabe uma situação altamente política -- a da Europa e da escócia na Reforma -- apresentada sem maiores explicações nem contextualizações, você tem aceitar via "face value" e pronto?
Talvez a parte mais útil deste livro, sobre alguém que realmente quer saber sobre John Knox, sejam as referências bibliográficas.
Aliás, as citações do próprio Knox e de outros autores é que compõe as partes mais interessantes dos capítulos.
Os gringos que também deram só duas estrelas em suas reviews usaram as palavras "boring" e "redundant" --- no que eu concordo.
Algo pelo que este volume pode ter um valor específico para alguém a é uma tradução da Confissão de Fé Escocesa (escrita em 1560, por Knox mais outros cinco Johns) ---- Uma ótima tradução, que realmente conseguiu preservar um estilo muito simples e bonito, com sabor de autenticidade.
A Confissão de fato é um documento Calvinista, mas recomendo seu oitavo capítulo, intitulado "A Eleição", para todos os cristãos e todas as pessoas.
Nada que você não encontre online, já em português, no entanto. Mas esse volume iria ficar fino demais sem ela. #significa --- fica a dica.
E para contrapôr isso, o autor tenta entregar os fatos embrulhados para presente, ao invés de dar informações sobre os mesmos.
O pior de tudo, é que eu não acho que ele tenha sido escrito dessa maneira por deficiência intelectual de quem escreveu, e sim por escolha comercial.
Apenas um exemplo deste estilo tipicamente americano em que o livro está escrito e, na minha opinião, o compromete: contrapor um "Calvinismo tofu" a um "calvinismo altamente protéico"
Haja paciência. Mesmo. Não teria lido este livro se meu irmão não tivesse feito questão de me emprestá-lo, antes mesmo de lê-lo.
E sabe uma situação altamente política -- a da Europa e da escócia na Reforma -- apresentada sem maiores explicações nem contextualizações, você tem aceitar via "face value" e pronto?
Talvez a parte mais útil deste livro, sobre alguém que realmente quer saber sobre John Knox, sejam as referências bibliográficas.
Aliás, as citações do próprio Knox e de outros autores é que compõe as partes mais interessantes dos capítulos.
Os gringos que também deram só duas estrelas em suas reviews usaram as palavras "boring" e "redundant" --- no que eu concordo.
Algo pelo que este volume pode ter um valor específico para alguém a é uma tradução da Confissão de Fé Escocesa (escrita em 1560, por Knox mais outros cinco Johns) ---- Uma ótima tradução, que realmente conseguiu preservar um estilo muito simples e bonito, com sabor de autenticidade.
A Confissão de fato é um documento Calvinista, mas recomendo seu oitavo capítulo, intitulado "A Eleição", para todos os cristãos e todas as pessoas.
Nada que você não encontre online, já em português, no entanto. Mas esse volume iria ficar fino demais sem ela. #significa --- fica a dica.
December 17, 2013
When thinking about the great men who were responsible for the lasting effects of the Reformation, usually it is Calvin and Luther that come to mind first and foremost. But if not for John Knox, the post-Reformation world would have been a very different place. Indeed, many thanks are in order for the heroic courage displayed by Knox and the valiant burden he had for lost souls to be reached with the Gospel. While The Mighty Weakness of John Knox is not an exhaustive look at the life of this Reformer, what is brought out in Douglas Bond’s biography will be not be merely helpful head knowledge, but truly edifying knowledge to the heart.
What was the strength to the successful ministry of John Knox? Bond is convinced that his strength was his weakness. The words of 2 Corinthians 12:10 parallel the success of Knox: For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hard- ships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” I was not aware of the fact that Knox suffered so dearly. A not simply was his suffering of physical discomfort, but he was also virtually a man to be hunted down – by a lot of people. Nevertheless, Knox was almost outrageously firm against the elitist, anti-Protestant members of society. He didn’t have an axe to grind; he had a Gospel to defend. And Knox did so fearlessly. Douglas Bond’s biography dives deep into the depths of John Knox’s greatness: his weaknesses. It is a highly recommendable book for historical understanding, for Christian edification, and for reason to praise a God who is mighty enough to use the weak for His glory.
What was the strength to the successful ministry of John Knox? Bond is convinced that his strength was his weakness. The words of 2 Corinthians 12:10 parallel the success of Knox: For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hard- ships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” I was not aware of the fact that Knox suffered so dearly. A not simply was his suffering of physical discomfort, but he was also virtually a man to be hunted down – by a lot of people. Nevertheless, Knox was almost outrageously firm against the elitist, anti-Protestant members of society. He didn’t have an axe to grind; he had a Gospel to defend. And Knox did so fearlessly. Douglas Bond’s biography dives deep into the depths of John Knox’s greatness: his weaknesses. It is a highly recommendable book for historical understanding, for Christian edification, and for reason to praise a God who is mighty enough to use the weak for His glory.
September 3, 2013
The Mighty Weakness of John Knox
by Douglas Bond
Quotes:
"The lowly saint may become unconquerable in prayer. Knox tenderly urged sinners to pray and do so constantly with confident expectation of God's willingness and power to hear and to answer." Chapter 3, Power of Prayer, page 40
"The law saith, 'Where is thy righteousness, thy goodness, thy satisfaction?' The gospel said, 'Christ is thy righteousness, thy goodness, they satisfaction.' The law saith, 'Thou art bound and obliged to me, to the devil, and to hell.' The gospel saith, 'Christ hath delivered thee from them all.'" Chapter 4, Power in the Pulpit, page 58
Favorite Chapter:
Chapter 6 - The Power of Predestination
Review:
This book was pretty good and I enjoyed it, it is an easy read for the most part. I wanted to learn more about the Reformation and the life of John Knox. Which I found out that John Knox didn't have a lot written about his personal life. This man transformed the entire country of Scotland. He was a man who fought against wicked queens and fought for what was right.
by Douglas Bond
Quotes:
"The lowly saint may become unconquerable in prayer. Knox tenderly urged sinners to pray and do so constantly with confident expectation of God's willingness and power to hear and to answer." Chapter 3, Power of Prayer, page 40
"The law saith, 'Where is thy righteousness, thy goodness, thy satisfaction?' The gospel said, 'Christ is thy righteousness, thy goodness, they satisfaction.' The law saith, 'Thou art bound and obliged to me, to the devil, and to hell.' The gospel saith, 'Christ hath delivered thee from them all.'" Chapter 4, Power in the Pulpit, page 58
Favorite Chapter:
Chapter 6 - The Power of Predestination
Review:
This book was pretty good and I enjoyed it, it is an easy read for the most part. I wanted to learn more about the Reformation and the life of John Knox. Which I found out that John Knox didn't have a lot written about his personal life. This man transformed the entire country of Scotland. He was a man who fought against wicked queens and fought for what was right.
February 16, 2016
I cannot say for certain that I really enjoyed this book because I feel like there is so much more to Knox than what was written. The book seemed rather short; it was as though Bond was in a hurry to hit the simple highlights of Knox's life and because of this he sacrificed a lot that is still to be said of Knox. There were many instances where I felt like I wasn't getting the entire story and so I supplemented with a book by Steve Lawson and Thomas McCrie (the latter being what I should have originally read).
All in all, I recommend reading Thomas McCrie's work on Knox before picking up Bond's or Lawson's works unless you really want a shallow understanding of John Knox....
All in all, I recommend reading Thomas McCrie's work on Knox before picking up Bond's or Lawson's works unless you really want a shallow understanding of John Knox....
January 6, 2014
This book is a great read to get a basic understanding of Knox and to also receive a pastoral charge into your own life. There's passion and exhortation clearly displayed and given. I appreciated this book in the way that it confronts the reader.
That said, I was hoping for more. Instead of the book taking the reader through the entirety of Knox's life in more detail, this book focused the first chapter on a biographical sketch while then taking the rest of the chapters to focus on character traits. While still beneficial, I personally was hoping for more biography.
That said, I was hoping for more. Instead of the book taking the reader through the entirety of Knox's life in more detail, this book focused the first chapter on a biographical sketch while then taking the rest of the chapters to focus on character traits. While still beneficial, I personally was hoping for more biography.
January 22, 2013
Sorry for the short review, suffice it to say this a great series and John Knox was an interesting and inspiring believer. We would do well to try to imitate many of the habits and practices of these men in regard to prayer life, vigilance in pursuit of God, and self sacrifice for their fellow brethren.
August 30, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this introduction of the life of John Knox. Douglas Bond has done a nice job keeping the pace of the book moving and hitting the major highlights of Knox's personal life and ministry. I also enjoyed reading the appendixes which included a historic timeline and the Scots Confession of Faith which Knox helped to pen.
January 21, 2016
This was a quick and easy read. A nice overview of Knox's life and ministry and how it impacted the Reformation and spread of the Gospel. Pretty amazing what this guy went through and encouraging to see how God transformed a weak and frail man into one that was bold, compassionate, strong, and uncompromising in his Christian and Biblical convictions.
I recommend this.
I recommend this.
October 20, 2017
This is a good introduction to the bold and courageous Knox. I look forward to learning more about him in the future.
(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})
(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})
May 6, 2013
Really good, for what it is. Pretty brief overview of both Knox's life, and central points of his theology. I'd love to read a more full bio of Knox now.
Love that Bond includes the "Scots Confession of Faith" in an appendix.
Love that Bond includes the "Scots Confession of Faith" in an appendix.
May 26, 2013
Terminei de ler o livro que trata da vida de John Knox, o mais briguento dos reformadores. O livro é uma boa apresentação a vida de Knox.
A grande lição é a coragem e a vida de oração como fortaleza mesmo sendo fraco.
A grande lição é a coragem e a vida de oração como fortaleza mesmo sendo fraco.
November 15, 2014
On Oct 4th, I met Douglas Bond while he was in North Carolina. I got this book and autographed by him too. I am looking forward to read this book. Great book to read and great history to learn about John Knox and the people in those days. Thankful for this wonderful lively book to read.
March 13, 2016
My sister sent this to me for my birthday because Knox is one of our ancestors. Fearless reformer in Scotland who, like his contemporaries, faced great opposition. Not the best writing or analysis but enjoyed the read nonetheless and took inspiration from his resolve.
July 1, 2012
Great little biography. A man I've wanted to learn more about. It was inspiring, faith-building, and interesting to read.
December 9, 2012
This is a good short read that is inspiring me to read more on this famous Christian Scott.
December 2, 2012
Good, simple, and informative.
March 11, 2013
I enjoyed this easy-to-read biography. It was a good foundation. The "mighty weakness" portion of the title will stick with me as an apt descriptor of this man of faith.
August 9, 2013
Another wonderful little exploration of the life of a person whose ministry was crucial to the Reformation.
June 6, 2013
This is most definitely an encouraging book to read. John Knox's loyalty to Christ amidst physical weaknesses is worthy of imitation. I just wasn't too fond of the writing of this book.
October 21, 2013
Excellent overview of Knox. It's even better than Wilson's biography of Knox. This is the first biography I would hand to someone who knows nothing about Knox.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews