A Hermeneutical Reflection on πλησίον (Neighbourliness) in Luke 10:25–37 and Its Relevance to Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria currently faces grave challenges such as social disintegration, tribalism, human rights abuses, and insecurity—all threatening the nation’s stability. Most Nigerians live in extreme poverty while a privileged minority enjoys luxury. These issues stem from selfishness, lack of brotherly love, and ignorance of scriptural teachings. This resembles the parable of the Good Samaritan, where a man is assaulted and abandoned, but a Samaritan intervenes—challenging societal norms of the time. This paper explores the concept of πλησίον (neighbourliness) as presented in Luke 10:25–37, and how it applies to the Christ Apostolic Church in Nigeria. The study adopts descriptive and exegetical method to analyse the text. Questionnaire was administered, data collected were qualitatively analysed. Findings reveal that ignorance of both social and biblical principles undermines genuine neighbourliness, it also shows that biblical teachings on neighbourliness is a powerful moral tool for promoting empathy and community spirit. The study concludes that embracing love and patriotic concern for others is key to national restoration and urges the Church to leverage the transformative message of the Gospel to fight hatred, inequality, exploitation, and poverty.