Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5215 authority » 5217 authority, in the church The exercise of freedom under Jesus Christ's authority for the good of the church. Supreme authority belongs to Jesus Christ as head of the church Ephesians 5:23 See also Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 5:24; Colossians 1:18 Spiritual authority under Jesus Christ in the church is possessed by elders As shepherds who teach and care for the flock Acts 20:28 See also John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 3:2; Timothy 5:17; Titus 2:1-10; 1 Peter 5:2 As overseers ruling the church Acts 20:28 See also Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Those serving as overseers must rule their own homes well; 1 Timothy 5:17 The response of the church to the authority of elders Elders are to be obeyed Elders are to be honoured and respected 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 See also 1 Timothy 5:17 Paul limits the authority of women in the church 1 Timothy 2:12 Some believe Paul's restriction to apply to the women in the Ephesian church who were seizing authority rather than having been granted it. Others believe Paul is prohibiting women from being official teachers in the assembled church. See also 1 Corinthians 11:5-6,10; Corinthians 14:33-37 The reason for this prohibition derives from God's order of creation 1 Timothy 2:13-14 See also 1 Corinthians 11:3,7-10 Kinds of authority within the church Authority to preach the gospel Authority to excommunicate Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 “hand this man over to Satan” here means “send back into the world ruled by Satan”; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 Authority to forgive sins See also
2212 Christ, head of church |
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