SEWAPO HONOR | University of Ibadan Nigeria (original) (raw)

Drafts by SEWAPO HONOR

An International Journal for Biblical Studies, 2013

Partiality, which is sometimes referred to as favouritism, is the bedrock of all discriminations.... more Partiality, which is sometimes referred to as favouritism, is the bedrock of all discriminations. James makes clear that partiality is sin against the Almighty God. Existing studies on partiality have focused more on the justification of its practices and meanings at the neglect of its negative influence on obedience to the sovereign God and His Law. This study, therefore, examines James’ attitude towards partiality with a view to establishing its relevance to the Nigerian society. Using Martin Dibelius’ approach to James, the study revealed that partiality usurps God’s sovereignty, aligns its practitioners with God’s enemies, and violates God’s law of love. The paper condemns acts of partiality as God does not show partiality and recommends that all Nigerians should display the same attitude as it is enshrined in James 2:1-12.

The whole reason God created you and me is that we might reflect his glory and enjoy a love relat... more The whole reason God created you and me is that we might reflect his glory and enjoy a love relationship with Him.
When we go about “doing great things for God” in our own strength, we rob.

The most potent instruments for the spread of Methodism, not only in England, but also in America... more The most potent instruments for the spread of Methodism, not only in England, but also in America and other parts of the world were Lay Preachers.
The first Lay Preachers were Thomas Maxfield and John Cennick. Maxfield was a convert who was employed by Wesley at the Foundry “to pray and expound the Scriptures, but not to preach.” However, in 1740 or 1741 he began to preach in earnest. This outraged Wesley, who rushed to London to bring an end to such irregularity. But his mother cautioned him to hear the young man before passing judgment; this Wesley did and immediately gave Maxfield permission to preach. Lay Preaching Ministry had contributed immensely right from the days of Moses, the “Law-Giver” till date.
The paper defines a Lay Preacher and Lay Preaching Ministry. It traces the origin of Lay Preaching Ministry from the Mosaic period down to John Wesley era. It further examines the relevance of Wesleyan Lay Preaching Ministry to Wesleyan Ministry (Methodist Church). Furthermore, the paper attempts to provide answers to these questions included are: In what ways Lay Preachers more vividly illustrate the privilege and responsibility of all the baptised to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth? Can the Lay Preaching Ministry enable God’s Word to be heard more clearly? What are the causes of ineffectiveness in fulfilling the Vision and Mission of Methodist Church Nigeria? In what context can Lay Preaching Ministry serve as a catalyst in achieving the Vision and the Mission of Methodist Church Nigeria? Finally, recommendations and conclusion are provided in this paper.

Papers by SEWAPO HONOR

Ghana Journal of Religion and Theology, 2016

Paul’s call, which explicates that he is a chosen instrument of God, and the success of his pasto... more Paul’s call, which explicates that he is a chosen instrument of God, and the success of his pastoral ministry dovetails with his Damascus road experience. Paul, who was a persecutor of Christians experienced a conversion on the road to Damascus and became an apostle to the Gentiles. Existing studies on this remarkable experience have focused more on controversies surrounding the unusual nature of the event and its veracity than on its contribution to the success of Paul’s ministry. This study, therefore, investigates Acts 9:15 with a view to establishing the nexus of Paul’s Damascus road experience to his call and pastoral ministry. Using Ralph Martin’s grammatico-historical approach to biblical exegesis, the paper reveals that the divine grace that characterised Paul’s call to the ministry, the nature and results of his preaching, and the recognition and support that he had received from the church and its leadership enabled Paul to have an effective pastoral ministry. It recommends that the promotion of the gospel and zeal for Christian message must correspond to the proclamation of the crucified Christ.

Integrity Journal of Arts and Humanities, 2021

The quest for leadership, request to secure the foremost seats of influence at the side of Jesus ... more The quest for leadership, request to secure the foremost seats of influence at the side of Jesus (as done by James and John), is evident within Markan narratives. After this indecorous request, conflict crept into the camp of Jesus’ twelve disciples as the ten other disciples fumed over James’ and John’s bid to outflank them in prominence. Extant literature has focused on the event surrounding their request and the quality of the greatest in God’s service to the neglect of Jesus’ strategy of resolving the conflict, its contribution to the success of Jesus’ ministry and its relevance to resolving conflict in contemporary partisan politics. This paper, therefore, examines the quest for leadership in Markan narratives (9:33-37 and 10:35-45), with particular reference to Jesus’ strategy of resolving conflict. This is with a view to establishing its relevance to resolving Nigeria’s partisan political conflict. Fuchs’ theory of the New Hermeneutic was adopted. Data were subjected to exege...

ILORIN JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES (IJOURELS), 2015

Leadership is central in Paul's letter to Titus. Previous studies have focused more on the argume... more Leadership is central in Paul's letter to Titus. Previous studies have focused more on the arguments surrounding its Pauline authorship and the advice it gives on the pastoral care of the receiving communities, rather than the letter's contribution to the success of leadership in the Greco-Roman society. This paper, therefore, investigates leadership in Titus through the lens of an African leader who recognises that his people are also part of a society in which their aspiration to have credible leadership remains limited, albeit in more subtle ways than in Greco-Roman society. Using Abogunrin's approach to decolonising biblical interpretation in Africa, this paper reveals that leadership in the African context and in Titus is similar to some degree. It highlights the likely obstacles to credible leadership that bedevil contemporary Nigeria.

International Journal of Social Science Studies

The sacrifice of Christ, which provides forgiveness of sins and the hope of being perfected, form... more The sacrifice of Christ, which provides forgiveness of sins and the hope of being perfected, forms the foundation of Christian faith in the letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews reflects the continuity between the old and the new covenants, interest in the earthly life of Christ, and the realisation that his sacrifice needs to be interpreted. Existing studies on issues in the interpretation of Hebrews have focused, primarily, on apparent internal tension of the document; while some scholars see Hebrews to be centred in a group of migrant Jewish Christians who await the fulfilment of the promise of Abraham in Jerusalem, others view the document as a polemic grounded in a Philonic-type milieu. A literal significance to the cultic language of Hebrews, especially Christ as the sacrifice and its contribution to the success of loving relationship in the contemporary society, has not been given adequate attention. The study, therefore, examines an interpretation of Christ as the sacrifice in Hebrews 9:26 with a view to establishing a holistic relationship with God. Using Saussure's approach to New Testament interpretation, the paper reveals that an interpretation of Christ as the sacrifice ultimately brings to bear a world of relationships. The richness and diversity of these relationships are experienced in human religious history through the vehicle of sacrifice. These relationships are identified between relations of persons to persons in a society and relations of a society to God. Christ's sacrifice of himself rather than a substitute stresses the superiority of his sacrifice to the Old Testament ritual and any other human rituals. Consequently, Christ as the sacrifice informs that he is the source of the relationship with God. The paper recommends that humanity could live sacrificially, although no person could offer the same sacrifice as Christ did, they can follow his example and offer their lives entirely to God as enshrined in Hebrews 9:26.

The term πορνεία, which refers to the only biblical reason for divorce, has become a major concer... more The term πορνεία, which refers to the only biblical reason for divorce, has become a major concern within the ranks of the Church, Mosque and Traditional religion in Africa. Existing studies on the phenomenon of divorce have focused more on its varied causes and consequences than its permissible condition in the biblical texts. The study, therefore, examined Jesus ‟ teaching on πορνεία in Matthew 19:9 with a view to establishing its accurate interpretation for contemporary biblical scholarship in Africa. Using Peter Stuhlmacher‟s theory of biblical interpretation, the study reveals Jesus ‟ emphasis on the indissolubility of marriage. It also shows that divorce is not desirable but permissible on the absolute biblical ground of πορνεία and or μοιτεία. Other trivial reasons identified in the work are socio-cultural, demographic and personal. All these reasons result in increased risks of poverty and increased risk of problems for children and divorced parents. Accurate interpretation ...

The Journal of Pan-African Studies, 2018

This paper examines Matthew 5:17 in the Bible with a view to establishing its contribution to era... more This paper examines Matthew 5:17 in the Bible with a view to establishing its contribution to eradicate breaking the law in Africa. Using Ralph’s grammatico-historical approach, it also reveals that Jesus fulfilled the law in his own life through teaching and selfless service. Hence, it recommends that holistic obedience to the law in the life, teaching and selfless service of individuals could eradicate breaking the law in Africa as enshrined in Matthew 5:17.

International Bulletin of Mission Research

Jesus Christ directly commanded the early church to carry the Gospel to other places. Literature ... more Jesus Christ directly commanded the early church to carry the Gospel to other places. Literature on mission has focused largely on its role in Matthew, Luke-Acts, and John, with little attention paid to Mark and its contribution to Jesus’s mandate for mission. I examine Mark’s gospel to discover insights regarding how Jesus carried out his mission, discussing (1) Mark’s soteriological, cultural, and ecclesiological interpretations of mission; (2) the text’s approaches to mission as kērygma, diakonia, and koinōnia; and (3) its view of missions as both centrifugal and centripetal.

Ilorin Journal of Religious Studies, 2014

This paper examines Matthew 5:17 in the Bible with a view to establishing its contribution to era... more This paper examines Matthew 5:17 in the Bible with a view to establishing its contribution to eradicate breaking the law in Africa. Using Ralph's grammatico-historical approach, it also reveals that Jesus fulfilled the law in his own life through teaching and selfless service. Hence, it recommends that holistic obedience to the law in the life, teaching and selfless service of individuals could eradicate breaking the law in Africa as enshrined in Matthew 5:17.

Zenith BookHouse, 2018

Hosea, whose name means Yahweh saves, concentrates on the covenant relationship between God and I... more Hosea, whose name means Yahweh saves, concentrates on the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Having lived in the eighth century BC, Prophet Hosea prophesied in the pre-exilic northern kingdom of Israel, and his prophecies were written down and preserved in the Bible. Hosea’s prophecy in 11:1, ἐξ Αἰγύπτου μετεκάλεσα τὰ τεκνα αὐτοῦ “out of Egypt I called my son” is Matthean redacted in Matthew 2:15 which reads: ἐξ Αἰγύπτου ἐκάλεσα τὸν υἱόν μου “out of Egypt have I called my son.” This paper investigates Hosea 11:1 in the context of its Matthean redaction. Ellis’ approach of how the New Testament uses the Old Testament served as the framework. The paper argues that as God preserved Israel, through Jacob and his household, from famine by giving them a place in Egypt, so has God acted in saving Jesus from the hand of Herod. As God brought Israel from Egypt to fulfil his purposes, so was Jesus hidden in Egypt to escape death so that He in due time returned from Egypt to fulfil his divinely assigned mission. Therefore, Hosea’s statement ἐξ Αἰγύπτου μετεκάλεσα τὰ τεκνα αὐτοῦ “out of Egypt I called my son” is both an interpretation and prophecy fulfilment of a historical event about Jesus Christ in Matthean redaction.
Keywords: Interpretation of historical event, Matthean Redaction, Prophecy Fulfilment,
Prophet Hosea

Nigeria is a multilingual nation with over 515 languages. Nigeria’s official language is English.... more Nigeria is a multilingual nation with over 515 languages. Nigeria’s official language is English. Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo are often regarded as the majority ethnic groups in Nigeria. By implication, the languages of these three ethnic groups are regarded as the majority languages. Minor languages are “those Nigerian languages that are not major.” Generally, the languages spoken in Nigeria can be, for ease of our discussion, grouped into five types: moribund/threatened languages, retreating languages, underdeveloped languages, developing languages and pidgin. Islam, Christianity and African Traditional Religion are the three major faiths in Nigeria. Both Islam and Christianity claim to be the universal faiths for humankind irrespective of their race, culture and language while African Traditional Religion are the total sum of faith attached to a particular family in an African milieu. Islam, Christianity and African Traditional Religion claim to serve a Supreme Being popularly known as God, who is religiously referred to as Allah, Jehovah and Olódùmarè. The three major ethnic groups (Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo) give diverse interpretations to religion which therefore results in the religious diversity in Nigeria.

Church administration, which is both God-centred and person –oriented, is central in Paul’s lette... more Church administration, which is both God-centred and person –oriented, is central in Paul’s letter to Titus. Existing studies on Church administration have focused more on its guidelines than the contributions of πρεσβυτέρος/ἐπίσκοπος to the success of Church administration and their relevance to contemporary churches. This paper, therefore, investigated Paul’s use of πρεσβυτέρος/ἐπίσκοπος in his concept of Church administration in Titus with a view to relating it to the Church administration in Africa. Using Raph Martin’s grammatico-historical approach to biblical exegesis, the study reveals that church leaders’/administrators’ duties reflect the functions of a πρεσβυτέρος/ἐπίσκοπος in Titus. It also shows that Church administrators in Africa are addressed with various names/titles; the nomenclature adopted in the Churches in Africa does not really matter but their ministers share Paul’s concept of Church administration in Titus. Thus, good administration premised on Pauline πρεσβυτέρος/ἐπίσκοπος in the Church in Africa is recommended.
Key words: Church administration, πρεσβυτέρος/ἐπίσκοπος, church leaders/administrators

Paul of Tarsus, a Pharisee, was one of “the die-hards” of Judaism. He persecuted men of the Way i... more Paul of Tarsus, a Pharisee, was one of “the die-hards” of Judaism. He persecuted men of the Way in their personal houses, gatherings and in Jerusalem before his Damascene experience. He claimed to have done all these evil to his neighbours owing to his religious zeal hitherto not enlightened. Similarly, in the Northern part of Nigeria, especially the insurgence of the Islamic extremist sect, Boko Haram had claimed many lives and destroyed many infrastructure and property, owing to religious zeal as acclaimed by the perpetrators. Previous studies on pre-conversion character of Paul have focused more on the happenings surrounding the nature of his activities than the dramatic change which transformed him to an advocate of peace with all men and its contribution to national unity. This paper, therefore, investigates the interaction between pre-conversion of Paul in Acts 8-9 and Boko Haram insurgence in Nigeria with a view to establishing their relevance to a lasting unity in Nigeria. Using Abogunrin’s theory of transformative power of the gospel, the paper reveals that true repentance as a result of the Word of God can transform an evil person to become useful to the society.
Key words: Pre-conversion character of Paul, Religious zeal, Boko Haram, Transformative
power of the gospel

Ruth's persistent loyalty to Naomi in the book of Ruth, which refers to an ideal daughter-in-law ... more Ruth's persistent loyalty to Naomi in the book of Ruth, which refers to an ideal daughter-in-law and mother-in-law’s relationship, is central in women’s relationships. Existing studies on this remarkable story have focused more on the principal character of Ruth and Naomi’s attitude towards her daughters-in-law than on its contribution to the success of Ruth and Naomi’s relationship and its relevance to contemporary daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law relationships. This study, therefore, investigated the relationship between Ruth and Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17 with a view to establishing its relevance to daughter-in-law and mother-in-law relationship in Nigeria. Irmtraud Fischer’s theory was used to analyse the biblical text. Copies of a questionnaire were administered to 100 randomly selected women from 10 different churches in Lagelu Local Government Area, Oyo State. While qualitative data were subjected to exegetical analysis; quantitative data were analysed using percentage.
The study reveals that the essence of דׇּבַק, אׇהַב and חֶסֶד in its fullest terms is the hallmark of Ruth and Naomi’s relationship. It therefore recommends that Nigerian daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law should take a leaf from the essential virtues of Ruth and Naomi which are דׇּבַק, אׇהַב and חֶסֶד to salvage their relationship.

An International Journal for Biblical Studies, 2013

Ghana Journal of Religion and Theology, 2016

Integrity Journal of Arts and Humanities, 2021

ILORIN JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES (IJOURELS), 2015

International Journal of Social Science Studies

The Journal of Pan-African Studies, 2018

International Bulletin of Mission Research

Ilorin Journal of Religious Studies, 2014

This paper examines Matthew 5:17 in the Bible with a view to establishing its contribution to era... more This paper examines Matthew 5:17 in the Bible with a view to establishing its contribution to eradicate breaking the law in Africa. Using Ralph's grammatico-historical approach, it also reveals that Jesus fulfilled the law in his own life through teaching and selfless service. Hence, it recommends that holistic obedience to the law in the life, teaching and selfless service of individuals could eradicate breaking the law in Africa as enshrined in Matthew 5:17.

Zenith BookHouse, 2018

Mentoring relationships, in which a more experienced mentor works to advance the personal and pro... more Mentoring relationships, in which a more experienced mentor works to advance the personal and professional growth of a less experienced protégé, have witnessed a noteworthy increase in use as a mechanism for leadership development. Previous studies on mentoring relationship have focused more on organisational leadership researchers and leadership practitioners than on their contributions to the success of Paul’s ministry and their relevance to contemporary leaders. This study, therefore, investigates the interaction between Paul’s concept of μεταδίδωμι in 1Thessalonians 2:8 and his etiquettes to mentoring relationship, and their relevance for contemporary Nigeria. The paper is premised on the existential approach that operates with a fundamental trust in or consent to the selected text. The paper examines Paul’s concept of μεταδίδωμι which reveals his etiquettes to mentoring and how these etiquettes can be applied to contemporary leadership challenges as well. By implementing Paul’s mentoring etiquettes, leaders can develop followers who are committed, motivated, and personally satisfied by their work, and who are prepared to face the leadership challenges of the future.

Paul of Tarsus, a Pharisee, was one of " the die-hards " of Judaism. He persecuted men of the Way... more Paul of Tarsus, a Pharisee, was one of " the die-hards " of Judaism. He persecuted men of the Way in their personal houses, gatherings and in Jerusalem before his Damascene experience. He claimed to have done all these evil to his neighbours owing to his zeal hitherto not enlightened. However, there was a dramatic change that took place in his life and he became an advocate of peace with all men. In the Northern part of Nigeria, especially the insurgence of the Islamic extremist sect, " Boko Haram " had claimed many lives and destroyed many infrastructure and property owing to religious " zeal " which as acclaimed by the perpetrators. The paper is premised on Abogunrin " s theory of transformative power of the gospel and investigates the interaction between the Pre-conversion character of Paul in Acts 8-9 and that which was responsible to his dramatic change from persecuting his neighbours, and their implications for a lasting peaceful coexistence with Nigerian " Boko Haram " .

Partiality, which is sometimes referred to as favouritism, is the bedrock of all discriminations.... more Partiality, which is sometimes referred to as favouritism, is the bedrock of all discriminations. James makes clear that partiality is sin against the Almighty God. Existing studies on partiality have focused more on the justification of its practices and meanings at the neglect of its negative influence on obedience to the sovereign God and His Law. This study, therefore, examines James' attitude towards partiality with a view to establishing its relevance to the Nigerian society. Using Martin Dibelius' approach to James, the study revealed that partiality usurps God's sovereignty, aligns its practitioners with God's enemies, and violates God's law of love. The paper condemns acts of partiality as God does not show partiality and recommends that all Nigerians should display the same attitude as it is enshrined in James 2:1-12.

Seductive practice is a bane of contemporary leadership. It is thus a thing of concern for secula... more Seductive practice is a bane of contemporary leadership. It is thus a thing of concern for secular and sacred worlds. Previous studies on the subject blamed King David and all men in positions of power (civil, ecclesiastical or academic) who take advantage of their " power " to abuse women sexually. Despite their usefulness, the studies neglected the seduction of leadership success by the seductress. The paper, therefore, discusses seduction from this perspective, as well as its implications on contemporary society. Existential is adopted as a critical, descriptive and analytical tool to study and interpret seductive practice. The paper concludes that the parasitic role of the seductress should be reconsidered while casting aspersions on King David and male leaders on the ground of sexual harassment. It also recommends that avoidance of the seductress in Nigeria and the wider world would enable leaders work to achieve efficiency, calculability, predictability and control.