Nigerian pastor and relationship coach Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has ignited a massive online storm after defending his new John 3:16 (“III:XVI”) tattoo after claiming that God Himself has a tattoo.
Making reference to a scripture in the Bible, Isaiah 49:16: “Behold, I have engraved you upon the palms of my hands”, Pastor Okonkwo described it as a divine, ineradicable imprint, equating it to a tattoo.
He however extended the claim to Jesus, using Revelation 19:16 (a name written on His thigh), insisting tattoos aren’t biblically forbidden for Christians.
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The statement, shared during an Instagram Live, sparked heated reactions on social media with many netizens accusing him of misinterpreting scripture.
One user remarked, “God saying He has engraved us on His palms is covenant imagery, not an endorsement of tattoos. God is Spirit. He does not have skin, needles, or ink.” Here are other reactions from Pastor Okonkwo’s claims:
@papcy_valery wrote: “Leviticus 19:28 Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. It’s clear!”
@iamkingdinero1 : “Just know God personally, no let anyone introduce their own God to you, find your God, know am for yourself.”
@nwadikechikezie4329 said: “I am so disappointed.”
@adeoyecharity8467 asked: “Did Jesus have tattoo while he was on earth?”
Pastor Okonkwo, vowing more tattoos, has told critics to “take Panadol” if it pains them, in his words; ” I will do more tattoos, if it pains you take panadol.”