Contextual Analysis of Θεραπεια (Healing) of the Demon-Possessed Man in Gerasene (Luke 8:26 – 39): Implication for Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria

Abstract

Health is a factor that each and every person longs for. There are other ways of defining health. These include having a healthy body, mind, and spirit. On a similar note, a discourse about health related to the social, mental, spiritual, and bodily aspects of a person is only relevant when viewed from the perspective of Christian salvation. Jesus Christ emphasized healing during his mission to the world as a fulfillment of his command to his disciples to preach the gospel and heal the sick. For the purpose of finding out the level of compliance with Jesus' command regarding healing, the cure of the Demon-possessed Man in the Gerasene in Luke 8:26-39 was studied from the perspective of the Nigerian situation. This study employed exegesis and hermeneutic methods. A descriptive survey technique was also employed. It was found out that the healing process of the Christ Apostolic Church is compliant with the healing doctrines of Jesus Christ. It is therefore suggested that the healing process and doctrines employed by Jesus Christ as described in Luke's Gospel be followed to the letter by the leadership of the Church.

Keywords: θεραπεία (Therapeia), Health, Healing Miracles, Luke 8:26-39, Salvation