Follow After Peace with All Men" (Hebrews 12:14) in Light of Peaceful Co-Existence in Nigeria
Best Olusola Aremu1, Olusegun Atanda Ariyo1, Funke Elizabeth Oyekan1Peaceful co-existence is essential in promoting the development and growth of societies.However, this has become a mirage in Nigeria because of continuous unresolved social, economic and religious menace within the Nigerian society. Scholars have treated the significant role of Christian education and religions in achieving peace and social integration in Nigeria through its teaching on peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, love and prayer. Nevertheless, these scholars have not paid attention to the “follow peace with all men assertion of Hebrews 12:14 in light of peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper exegetically analyse the “follow peace with all men” assertion of Hebrews 12:14 in light of peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. The paper employed the grammatico-historical method of biblical exegesis through diachronic approach. The study revealed that there are many conducts antithetical to peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. The word “ε?ρηνηνδιωκετε” (seek peace) with all men is without any exception. Thus, the call for Nigerians to build up a peaceful relationship with one another that disregards social, economic and religious differences. All parochial and self-centered thoughts should be discarded for peaceful co-existence.