Prophet,Kings,Servants,and Lepers: A Missiological Reading of an Ancient Drama

Abstract

This article explores major missiological themes emerging from the well-loved story of the healing of Naaman, the Syrian leper. These are examined primarily from the perspective of their applicability to the original readers in their context of forced expatriation and oppression. Missiological highlights include the instrumentality of the scattered people of God, the far-reaching consequences of a humble witness, the transformational power of God's grace, the spiritual openness of people who face deep crises, the role of signs and wonders in witness, and the importance of allowing new converts to work out the details of their allegiance while remaining in their old contexts.