JOHN THE BAPTIST AS REVOLUTIONARY PROPHET: AN EXPLORATION OF JOSEPHUS’ LABEL AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA AND NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined an assessment of Josephus’ label of John the Baptizer as a revolutionary Prophet: lessons for Africa and Nigeria in particular. John the Baptist confronted social vices by preaching repentance to those who were guilty of the said offences. Josephus, however, was said to have labeled him as a revolutionary prophet. The paper aimed at assessing the labeling of John the Baptist as a revolutionary prophet by Josephus and drawing lessons for Africa in general and Nigeria in particular. The study adopts the qualitative design and used historical method for data collection with secondary data as the main source of information, and the study used analytical and descriptive approach for analysis. The study revealed Josephus’ contribution in unraveling and preservation of Jewish history while John the Baptist was a voice crying out in the wilderness for repentance. Also, the study examined the labeling of John the Baptist as a revolutionary prophet by Josephus. In addition, the study considered scholarly criticism of Josephus’ label; the assessment of how John’s teachings intersect with the happenings in Nigerian society. A comparison of other authors on Josephus’ labeling of John the Baptist as a revolutionary prophet and whether Josephus actually labeled John the Baptist as a revolutionary prophet and lessons drawn for Africa and Nigeria. The study is significant to the general public in Africa, Nigeria, African leaders and Nigeria in particular, and researchers for further studies. The study recommended that; people of good standing like John the Baptist are required to speak out to confront evil. Religious leaders should rise up to the task of preaching undiluted word of God. The general public should adhere to genuine leaders who have good intentions of restoring the dignity of the Nigerian society among others.