THE ECCLESIASTICAL ELECTION OF LEADERS IN ACTS 6:1-8: AN INSIGHT FOR NATIONAL INTEGRATION

Abstract

Elections the world over have been characterized by rigging, crisis, bloodshed, and several abnormalities to putting wrong persons into political offices. Nigeria as a nation has suffered dearly from elections that some individuals for their selfish and evil gain manipulated the wrong leaders on the throne. The study examined the election of the Deacons in Acts 6:1-8: An Insight for National Integration. The 21st Century has become a century where most, if not all, adults have increasingly become aware that social, political, ethnic, and religious tensions are both at local, national, and international levels. Aggressors, who will continually want to dominate others to satisfy their expansionist ambition and other selfish interest, have infiltrated our world. What should be the practical National response to the threats being posed by Fulani Militia, Niger-Delta Militia, Boko-Haram, bandits, and religious fanatics on our elections? The paper focused on Acts 6:1-8 to bring insight into national integration. The researcher used a qualitative case study for this work. The qualitative case study is a research method that enables a complex phenomenon to be explored by identifying different factors interacting with each other. Primary and secondary sources were also used for the work. The research finding showed that the election conducted in Acts 6:1-8 did not characterize a threat to properties or human lives, it was free and fair. The research argued that, though Nigeria is already a secular state, the formula for the election of the Deacons in Acts 6:1-8 can be adopted for the benefit of national integration. The research proffered some recommendations and conclusions.