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Bible Dictionaries
Authority
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology
or The concept of authority seldom appears in the Old Testament. It is used predominantly in the New Testament, where the word exousia [ ἐξουσία ] functions in at least four ways.
First, authority is the freedom to decide or a right to act without hindrance. All such authority begins with God, for there is no authority except from God (Romans 13:1 ). God has the right to mold the clay as he wishes (Romans 9:21 ) and to set times and dates (Acts 1:7 ). God gave Paul the right to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:18 ). Believers have the right to become children of God (John 1:12 ), and they have freedom with respect to the law (1 Corinthians 8:9 ). While authority is valueless without the power to make it effective, we can make a fine distinction between the two concepts. This first understanding of authority, then, is distinct from power and refers primarily to a prerogative.
Second, the concept of authority refers to the power, ability, or capability to complete an action. Jesus was given the authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6-8 ) and to drive out spirits (Mark 6:7 ). Jesus gave seventy-two disciples the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions (Luke 10:19 ). Simon sought power to grant the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:19 ). Satan has authority to function within the parameters established by God (Acts 26:18 ).
Third, the word "authority" is used with reference to delegated authority in the form of a warrant, license, or authorization to perform. Jesus was asked by whose authorization he taught (Matthew 21:23 ). He was granted authority for his ministry from God the Father (John 10:18 ). Saul was sent to Damascus to persecute Christians by warrant of the priests (Acts 26:12 ). God gave the apostles license to build up the church (2 Corinthians 10:8 ).
Fourth, by a natural extension of meaning, exousia [ Luke 20:20 ). When Pilate learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction or authority, the governor sent him to Herod (Luke 23:7 ). Rulers and kings have their spheres of influence (Romans 13:1 ), as does Satan (Colossians 1:13 ), but Christ has been placed above all realms of authority (Ephesians 1:21 ). More often exousia [ Titus 3:1 ). This use of authority indicates a social relation between at least two individuals where one is the ruler. The subordinate in the relationship accepts the ruler's orders, not by external constraint but out of the conviction that the ruler is entitled to give orders and that it is the duty of the subject to obey and recognize the authenticity of the ruler's position and orders.
From a theological perspective the fourth use of authority is most significant. The question of authority is a fundamental issue facing every person, especially the believer. Its significance cannot be overestimated. Every person has an authority in life that he or she submits to as a subordinate, not by constraint but by conviction. Furthermore, God has created human beings to live under his authority. When they choose to live under a different rule, that of self or an idol, they sin. This is, in a simple summary, the teaching of Genesis 1-3 . That portion of Scripture illustrates the human tendency, moved by pride, to seek independence from external authority and to establish self as the final authority in life.
How, then, does God exercise his authority over creation and his creatures? The testimony of Scripture is that God has established three fundamental spheres of authority within which he delegates authority to individuals. These spheres are civil government, the home, and the church. The believer is obliged to obey those holding authority in those realms. Citizens are to submit to the governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13-14 ). Children are to obey parents (Ephesians 6:1-2 ). Believers were to honor spiritual authorities such as apostles who demanded compliance on the basis of their commission from the Lord. There are exceptions. When a person in authority violates the trust granted by God, the source of all authority, the subordinate is free, indeed mandated, "to obey God rather than man" (Acts 5:29 ). The apostle Peter provides the clearest example of what is called civil disobedience. In his epistle he encourages disciples of Christ to submit to governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13 ). According to Luke, however, when the governing authorities commanded Peter to cease preaching, he disobeyed (Acts 5:29 ).
The issue facing contemporary Christians is how God exercises his authority in the spiritual realm, that is, the church. In the Old Testament, the answer was clear. God exercised his authority through prophets, priests, and kings. At the time of Christ, the disciples submitted to the lordship of God the Father through obedience to Jesus. Christ, then, delegated authority to the apostles, who directed the affairs of the primitive church. When Christ comes again, he will reign from a new throne in the new city. How does God in Christ exercise his authority in the dispensation between his comings?
Has the authority of the apostles been transmitted through the tradition or by episcopal consecration? The evangelical response to that question, uncovered in the Protestant Reformation, is soLam Scriptura . Evangelical theology appeals to the authority of Scripture because it views the Bible as the written Word of God, pointing beyond itself to the absolute authority, the living and transcendent Word of God. God exercises authority over the church through the Scriptures, which impart authoritative truth. The Bible issues definitive directives. It offers an authoritative norm by which all doctrine and principles must be shaped for both individual believers and the church. The Bible is a record and explanation of divine revelation that is both complete (sufficient) and comprehensible (perspicuous); that is to say, it contains all that the church needs to know in this world for its guidance in the way of salvation and service.
Sam Hamstra, Jr.
Bibliography . B. Holmberg, Paul and Power: The Structure of Authority in the Primitive Church .
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Edited by Walter A. Elwell
Copyright © 1996 by Walter A. Elwell. Published by Baker Books, a division of Baker Book House Company, PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516-6287.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Elwell, Walter A. Entry for 'Authority'. Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/bed/a/authority.html. 1996.
