Abstract:
There are continued quests to achieve and maintain peace and security in the world, with
special reference to Nigeria. However, in her history, sustainable peace and security have
not been wholesomely consolidated. Nigeria is one of the crises-ridden nations in the
world as indicated by the intensifying issues of insecurity, corruption, religious intolerance,
multi-faceted ethnic groups, poor economy, poverty, poor education, unemployment,
kidnapping cases, leadership, and political interests. Although, the federal and state
governments as well as other external and internal agencies and Nigerian citizens may or
may not be making adequate efforts to ensure peace and security in Nigeria, the bordering
question is whether Nigeria, as a country, ever can achieve sustainable peace and security.
The study adopted the exegetical design. This design involves descriptive, analytical, and
hermeneutical research exercises related to the exegesis of the studied text, as well as the
application of the lessons drawn from the exegesis to the theological and social issues
being studied. The study employed the social-scientific method of biblical criticism to
study 1 Thessalonians 5:3 and applied its findings to the issue of the world with special
focus on Nigeria seeking peace and security, though worldly. This study explored the
Nigerian quests for εἰρήνη and ἀσφάλεια, and unveiled the sociological and the Pauline
theological insights to the causes and the theological implications of 1 Thessalonians 5:3 to
the crises of peace and security in Nigeria. This study found that, like the rest of the world,
Nigeria is one of the nations that is in desperate need for peace and security and hence,
although worldly, is engaged in the quest for peace and security. In fulfilment of the
prophetic utterance of Paul, the world has kept on questing for peace and security;
however, achieving and consolidating sustainable peace and security appear to be an
illusion. Although worldly, Nigeria is one of the nations in the world that is questing for
peace and security. However, the disciples of Jesus should understand that it is in Jesus
that they could be bequeathed wholesome, sustainable, and transcending peace and
security.
CONTRIBUTION: This study unveiled that the 1st-century social-context and Paul’s theology
reveal the root causes of the crises of peace and security in the world, with particular reference
to Nigeria. This study advances Paul’s theology that, although the world will keep talking
about peace and security, εἰρήνη and ἀσφάλεια are obtained through identification with God
through Jesus
