Bribery and Corruption in Matthew 28:11-15: A Lesson for the Church in Africa

Abstract

The narrative of Jesus’ resurrection in Matthew 28:11-15 implies an incident of bribery and corruption and its effects on injustice, misinformation, and suffering in society. Literature abounds on bribery and corruption based on Matthew 28:11-15. Studies have also been done on bribery and corruption in Africa. However, few studies comparatively have emphasized the bribery and corruption mentioned in Matthew 28:11-15 and its relations to the church in Africa. Therefore, a review of the implication of bribery and corruption in Matthew 28:11-15 for African religious leaders is in order. The church in Africa may take some precautions from the implications of the narrative. The following implications can be drawn from the analysis of the bribery and corruption narrative of Matthew 28:11-15:(1)working for God does not exclude a person from evil. (2) the dare influence of bribery and corruption can destroy lots of good in society. The study adopted the textual-syntactical approach to biblical interpretation. The main objective of the study was to determine how a textual study of Matthew 28:11-15 can serve as a warning to religious leaders in Africa. To ensure that the church champions the fight against bribery and corruption in Africa, the study recommended that: (1) the church should demand accountability from its leadership as an example to the broader society;(2) the church exposes and fires corrupt leaders, and (3) church leaders should lead bribery and corruption-free life as examples to members and the wider society. This research will be of benefit to the clergy and other church leaders who would perceive the dire consequences of bribery and corruption in the church, especially as it relates to the African context. Second, it has also added to the existing literature on the interpretation of Matthew 28:11-15 as it relates to bribery and corruption in the Bible. Keywords: Bribery, Corruption, Africa, the Church, Jesus Christ.