Popular Nigerian pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has continued to stir online reactions after trying to justify his choice of having a tattoo on his body.
Addressing his audience, the cleric argued that certain scriptures indicate that both God and Jesus bear symbolic “tattoos,” challenging long-held religious opposition to body markings.
He referenced Isaiah 49:16, which reads, “Behold, I have indelibly imprinted you on the palm of each of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”
According to Okonkwo, the verse portrays God as having permanently marked His people on His hands, which he described as a form of divine tattoo.
“God himself has tattooed you. Christ himself has tattooed you,” the pastor stated, insisting that the scripture supports his interpretation.
He further dismissed common arguments drawn from the Book of Leviticus, noting that many believers misunderstand and misapply Old Testament laws regarding body markings.
Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo emphasised that his views are rooted in long years of studying the Christian faith, stressing that he would not teach what he does not fully understand.
The pastor also cited Revelation 19:16, which says Jesus has a name inscribed on His robe and thigh — “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”
He suggested this inscription points to another biblical example of markings on the body.
Concluding his message, Okonkwo encouraged Christians to stand confidently by their convictions rather than conforming to public opinion.
Against this backdrop, an older teaching by Apostle Joshua Selman, founder of Eternity Network International and Koinonia, has resurfaced and begun trending on social media.
In the clip, Selman was asked about tattoos in a church setting, and while he did not declare tattoos sinful in every circumstance, he advised Christians against getting them after becoming born again.
Selman emphasised that certain decisions — even if not expressly forbidden by scripture — can affect a believer’s spiritual testimony and credibility, especially in ministry. He cited the principle that outward actions should reflect inner wisdom and not lead weaker believers into confusion.
He said tattoos might be a matter of personal conviction rather than outright sin, but they should be considered carefully, with attention to how they impact a believer’s witness and the community’s perception of faith.
The issue has generated wide reactions, with some asserting that Leviticus 19:28, which warns against making marks on the body, settles the matter.
Others argue that the New Testament does not explicitly address modern tattooing, leaving room for personal conviction guided by broader principles of honouring God with one’s body.
The controversy has drawn responses from various voices in the Christian world, with some agreeing that tattoos can be permissible if they honour God or serve as meaningful reminders of faith, while others maintain that even permissible practices should be avoided if they distract from spiritual focus or Christian witness.
