Authority

In the biblical context, authority is a central theme that permeates both the Old and New Testaments. It is understood as the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. The ultimate authority is God Himself, who is sovereign over all creation. In Genesis 1:1, the Bible begins with God's authoritative act of creation: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This establishes God as the supreme authority over the universe.

Throughout the Scriptures, God's authority is manifested through His laws, commands, and covenants. In Exodus 20, God gives the Ten Commandments to Moses, which serve as a foundational expression of His moral authority. The prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, often spoke with divine authority, calling the people of Israel to repentance and obedience to God's commands.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as possessing divine authority. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is evident in His teachings, miracles, and ultimately in His resurrection. Jesus' authority is also seen in His ability to forgive sins, as demonstrated in Mark 2:10: "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins."

The apostles, as representatives of Christ, were also endowed with authority to teach and lead the early church. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This authority was exercised in the establishment of church doctrine and discipline, as seen in the epistles.

Counsel

Counsel in the Bible refers to advice or guidance, often sought from God or His appointed leaders. The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This highlights the value of seeking multiple perspectives and the collective wisdom of godly advisors.

God Himself is depicted as the ultimate counselor. In Isaiah 9:6, the coming Messiah is described as "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This title underscores the divine wisdom and guidance that Jesus provides to His followers.

In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is given to believers as a counselor and guide. In John 14:26, Jesus promises, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." The Holy Spirit's role is to provide divine counsel, leading believers into truth and helping them discern God's will.

The early church also placed a high value on counsel and communal decision-making. In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council serves as a model for resolving doctrinal disputes through collective discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit. The apostles and elders gathered to seek God's direction, demonstrating the importance of seeking counsel in matters of faith and practice.

In summary, authority and counsel are intertwined themes in the Bible, reflecting God's sovereign rule and His provision of guidance for His people. Believers are called to recognize and submit to God's authority while seeking His counsel through prayer, Scripture, and the wisdom of the faith community.