Appraisal of θεραπεία (healing) of ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19) in context of healing in the Christ apostolic church, Nigeria

Good health is basic to human existence. From time immemorial man has strived for the recovery of his health since sickness and diseases bring pain and discomfort. Where medical treatments prove to be inadequate man often resort to prayers and/or consultations with traditional healer. Healing played a prominent role in the ministry of Jesus. In line with His mandate to evangelize and heal the sick, the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) makes healing one of its major missions. While much literature has been written about healing, divine healing and healing practices, very few scholars have tried to apply the episode of the healing of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 to CAC. This paper seeks to find out how far CAC conforms to the healing practice of Jesus Christ. Using hermeneutics and exegesis as tools of interpretation of biblical texts and descriptive surveys as method of analyzing practices, the study finds out that healing is vital for total human development. It concludes that healing is a core element of the worship and ministry of CAC which serves as a pathway to salvation and recommends that Church leaders should adopt the healing principle of Jesus revealed in the Gospel of Luke.