Healing, Weakness, and Power

'Audry Dawson's book uniquely addresses the topic of healing in the New Testament by comparing the perspectives of three of its writers. This analysis is set within the contemporary, Graeco-Roman and Jewish contexts in which the first readers were immersed. The focus and insights of this project are profoundly sharpened by Dr. Dawson's own life-long commitment to the care of the sick and her intimate knowledge of the kinds of relationship that evolve between healer and healed. The thoroughness of this contribution and the particular questions that are addressed within its scope will be welcomed by those studying the New Testament miracles, whether their focus be historical, theological, literary, or indeed pastoral.'

-- Andrew D. Clarke is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Divinity and Religious Studies, University of Aberdeen.



'Audrey Dawson has followed a long career in a senior medical position with a switch to New Testament study and this monograph, based on her thesis, combines these aspects of her experience and knowledge to produce a comparative study of attitudes to healing in three of the main New Testament authors. Her exploration of the different nuances in these writers, especially the study of Paul with his personal experience of illness in a church where signs and wonders were accepted phenomena, is sane and insightful; it brings a fresh perspective to this important area of study and will be of great value to those concerned with the healing ministry of Christians today. '

-- I. Howard Marshall is Emeritus Professor of New Testament Exegesis and Honorary Research Professor at the University of Aberdeen



'Dr. Dawson's clear and wide-ranging study of healing is illuminated by here careful research and medical training. She provides a stimulating reading of healing in Mark, Luke-Acts and Paul--and, in particular, offers a fresh and insightful approach to Paul's relative lack of references to healing in the light of his "thorn in the flesh". This book will serve preachers and students well.'

-- Steve Walton is Senior Lecturer in Greek and New Testament Studies, London School of Theology