Authority

In the biblical context, authority refers to 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. Jesus' authority is also evident in His ability to forgive sins (Mark 2:10) and command unclean spirits (Mark 1:27).

The apostles, as Christ's chosen representatives, were endowed with authority to preach the Gospel and establish the early Church. In 2 Corinthians 10:8, Paul speaks of the authority given to him for building up the Church, not for tearing it down. This apostolic authority was foundational for the early Christian community and is reflected in the writings of the New Testament.

The authority of Scripture is another critical aspect, as the Bible is considered the inspired Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." The authority of Scripture serves as the ultimate guide for faith and practice.

Tradition

Tradition in the biblical sense refers to teachings and practices passed down through generations. It can be both positive and negative, depending on its alignment with God's revealed truth. In the Old Testament, tradition often involved the transmission of God's laws and commandments, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where parents are instructed to teach God's commands to their children.

In the New Testament, tradition takes on a nuanced role. Jesus often confronted the Pharisees and religious leaders for elevating human traditions above God's commandments. In Mark 7:8-9, Jesus criticizes them, saying, "You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men... You neatly set aside the commandment of God to maintain your own tradition."

However, not all tradition is viewed negatively. The apostle Paul speaks positively of tradition when it aligns with apostolic teaching. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, he exhorts believers, "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." Here, tradition refers to the teachings and practices rooted in the apostolic witness and the Gospel message.

The early Church Fathers also played a role in shaping Christian tradition, interpreting Scripture, and establishing doctrinal orthodoxy. While tradition can serve as a valuable guide, it must always be measured against the authority of Scripture to ensure its faithfulness to the Gospel.

In summary, authority and tradition are intertwined themes in the Bible, with authority ultimately residing in God and His Word, while tradition serves as a means of transmitting and preserving the faith, provided it remains faithful to divine revelation.