An Exegetical Study of John the Baptist’s Confrontation of Corruption (Luke 3:7–18): Its Implications for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development

The rate of corruption in the Nigerian society has become alarming and has affected all the various levels of the society. The menace has risen to the extent that it has become dangerous to the survival of the country as well as its image at the global setting. Citizens of the country who have traveled to other countries would confirm the bad image linked to the phenomenon. Corruption has retarded the socio-economic development of the nation. Havoc is caused by the self-centered individuals driven by selfishness. Nigerians are denied of fundamental necessities of life as benefit from selected few benefit from proceeds of corruption. Scholars have investigated the phenomenon from conceptual, socio-political and biblical stand point. Corruption denunciation by ‘John the Baptist’ in Luke gospel has attracted less attention. The study examines John the Baptist’s confrontation of corruption (Luke 3:7-18) and its implications for national development. Study adopts mixed methodology that integrates descriptive, hermeneutical, and exegetical analyses. Findings reveal that corruption is deep-rooted in Nigeria. It concludes that moral and theological insights of John the Baptist constitute a framework for sustainable development. It recommends commitment to building corruption-free society through John the Baptist’s ethical injunctions in Luke, as pathway to Nigeria’s transformation.