Authority

In the biblical context, authority is understood as the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting the divine order established by God. The ultimate authority is God Himself, as seen in passages such as Psalm 103:19, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." God's authority is absolute and sovereign, encompassing all creation.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted 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 demonstrated through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately, His resurrection. Christ's authority is also evident in His role as the head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22), where He governs and guides His followers.

The Bible also addresses human authority, which is derived from God and is meant to reflect His justice and righteousness. Romans 13:1-2 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, stating, "For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage underscores the belief that earthly authorities are instituted by God to maintain order and justice.

Obedience

Obedience in the biblical sense is the act of following the commands or guidance of an authority figure, primarily God. It is a fundamental aspect of faith and discipleship. In the Old Testament, obedience to God's commandments is a central theme, as seen in Deuteronomy 11:1, "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments."

The New Testament continues this emphasis on obedience, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In John 14:15, Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Obedience is portrayed as a response to God's love and grace, rather than a mere legalistic duty. It is an expression of faith and trust in God's wisdom and goodness.

The apostles also emphasize obedience to God over human authority when the two are in conflict. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the other apostles assert, "We must obey God rather than men," highlighting the priority of divine authority over earthly powers.

Obedience is not only a personal virtue but also a communal one, as believers are called to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). This mutual submission reflects the order and harmony intended by God for His people.

In summary, authority and obedience are intertwined concepts in the Bible, reflecting the relationship between God and His creation. Authority is established by God and is to be respected and followed, while obedience is the appropriate response to God's authority, characterized by love, faith, and submission.