Review: "The Mighty Weakness of John Knox"

Douglas Bond has written a powerful little biography of John Knox, entitled, The Mighty Weakness of John Knox.

In this book, part of the Reformation Trust series, “A Long Line of Godly Men Profile,” Bond inspires and humbles the reader by presenting keys strengths of this small and sickly man.

The first chapter is the life of Knox – his call to the priesthood, his conversion, his exile and tutelage under John Calvin, and his return to Scotland.

Bond goes on to argue that Knox was “successful” in ministry because he lived a “Christ-subdued life.”  Knox, of his own abilities, self-admittedly would never have made much.  He was physically ill and considered himself a poor preacher.  But, above all things, he was centered and humbled before Christ, and that made all the difference.

Four “powers,” in particular are noted in the life and ministry of Knox:  first, the power of prayer.  Knox relied heavily on both private and corporate pray to sustain and guide him.  Second, the power of the pulpit.  Knox clearly preached Christ-centeredly and His Gospel alone, explaining the difference between Law and Gospel, and condemning all forms of idolatry.  Third, the power of the pen.  Knox wrote voluminously, expressing the same faith in Christ Alone with, perhaps, The Scots Confession, being his greatest achievement.  And fourth the power of predestination.  Know wrote, “The doctrine of God’s eternal predestination is so necessary to the church of God, that, without the same, can faith neither be truly taught, neither surely established” (79).  Knox spoke more on predestination and the importance of the doctrine than any other.

The seventh chapter considers how Knox ministered with his wife, and how he equipped the laity and the ministers through changes to the book of order.

Bond concludes by asking how a small, sick, frail Knox came to be the powerhouse of Christ, and the answer is only found in the power of God.  God used Knox mightily to accomplish His purposes.

The book ends with a timeline, the text of The Scots Confession, and a bibliography.

If you are in the pastoral ministry and have any doubt of your abilities, this book will help you to rely on Christ and submit to His working through you.  It is an inspiration and a hope that we poor sinners might be used mightily for Christ and His Gospel.