The anti-father and his silent sons : Disability, healing, and critique in the Acts of John
Journal article
Crabbe, Kylie. (2023). The anti-father and his silent sons : Disability, healing, and critique in the Acts of John. Harvard Theological Review. pp. 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0017816023000391
Authors | Crabbe, Kylie |
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Abstract | This article analyzes the second-century Acts of John 56–57, in which Antipatros seeks healing for his twin sons whom he claims he cannot support as he ages. I argue that this passage turns on a layered critique of Antipatros. First, the text censures medical commerce. Second, it uses his threat of murder, economic circumstances, and name to undermine Antipatros as both father and inquiring disciple. The episode thus leverages criticism of a character whose negative attitudes lead him to contemplate destruction of those with infirmities. However, it retains a mixed message: while the character of the apostle John comes to focus on the sons, the narrative silences them. Ultimately, the text emphasizes what the critique means for the flawed male, elite father, rather than the experience of the impaired sons. Such dynamics warrant close attention as we continue to expand our understanding of attitudes to disability in sources from antiquity. |
Keywords | Acts of John 56–57; Antipatros; impairment; falling sickness; infanticide; wealth; speaking names; narrative prosthesis |
Year | 2023 |
Journal | Harvard Theological Review |
Journal citation | pp. 1-25 |
Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
ISSN | 0017-8160 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1017/S0017816023000391 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85172697798 |
Open access | Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access |
Page range | 1-25 |
Funder | Australian Research Council (ARC) |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | In press |
Publication dates | |
Online | 2023 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 13 Oct 2023 |
ARC Funded Research | This output has been funded, wholly or partially, under the Australian Research Council Act 2001 |
Grant ID | DE220101054 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8zvw3/the-anti-father-and-his-silent-sons-disability-healing-and-critique-in-the-acts-of-john
Download files
Publisher's version
OA_Crabbe_2023_The_anti_father_and_his_silent.pdf | |
License: CC BY 4.0 | |
File access level: Open |
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