Authority

In the biblical context, authority is a central theme that permeates both the Old and New Testaments. It is understood as the legitimate power or right to command, act, or enforce obedience. The ultimate authority is God Himself, who is sovereign over all creation. In the Old Testament, God's authority is evident in His creation of the world (Genesis 1:1), His covenant with Israel (Exodus 19:5-6), and His law given through Moses (Exodus 20:1-17).

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as possessing divine authority. He teaches with authority (Matthew 7:29), forgives sins (Mark 2:10), and exercises power over nature, demons, and death (Mark 4:39, Mark 5:8, John 11:43-44). Jesus' authority is derived from His relationship with the Father, as He states, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" (Matthew 28:18).

The apostles and early church leaders also exercised authority, but it was always understood as delegated authority from Christ. The Apostle Paul, for instance, speaks of his authority to build up the church (2 Corinthians 10:8) and to correct and instruct believers (1 Corinthians 4:21). The authority of church leaders is meant to serve and edify the body of Christ, not to dominate or exploit (1 Peter 5:2-3).

Mission

The concept of mission in the Bible is closely linked to the authority of God and Christ. Mission refers to the sending forth of individuals or groups to proclaim the gospel and advance God's kingdom. The mission of God (Missio Dei) is rooted in His desire to reconcile the world to Himself through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

In the Old Testament, Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, demonstrating God's holiness and love (Isaiah 49:6). The mission of Israel was to embody God's covenant and attract other nations to Him.

The New Testament expands this mission through the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). This commission is a mandate for the church to spread the gospel globally, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

The Apostle Paul exemplifies the missionary zeal of the early church, traveling extensively to preach the gospel and establish churches (Romans 15:20). His letters often reflect his deep commitment to the mission, urging believers to support and participate in the work of spreading the gospel (Philippians 1:5, Colossians 4:3).

The authority and mission of the church are intertwined, as the church is called to act under the authority of Christ to fulfill His mission on earth. This mission is not only about evangelism but also about living out the values of the kingdom of God, such as justice, mercy, and love (Micah 6:8, Matthew 22:37-40). The church's mission is to be a witness to the transformative power of the gospel in both word and deed.