Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5215 authority » 5216 authority, nature of The God-given freedom of action expressed in rightful power to control the actions of others. Ultimate authority belongs to God, who does as he pleases Psalm 115:3 See also 2 Chronicles 20:6; Job 9:12; Job 23:13; Job 42:2; Psalm 135:6; Isaiah 14:27; Isaiah 43:13; Isaiah 45:9; Isaiah 46:10; Daniel 4:35 Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God's authority; Romans 9:19-21; Ephesians 1:11 God's authority is demonstrated in election. Human authority All human authority is given and established by God Romans 13:1 See also Daniel 2:21; Daniel 4:17; Daniel 5:18-21; John 19:11 It involves the rightful freedom to give orders Matthew 8:9 pp Luke 7:8 The centurion to Jesus Christ. See also Genesis 41:35; Numbers 27:20; Deuteronomy 1:15 Moses delegates authority; Judges 9:29; Ezra 7:24; Nehemiah 3:7; Esther 9:29; Isaiah 22:21; Jeremiah 38:10; Matthew 25:23 pp Luke 19:17 the parable of the talents; Mark 13:34; Luke 20:20; Luke 23:7; John 19:10 Paul had the authority of the chief priests to arrest believers: Acts 9:14; Acts 26:10,12 1 Peter 2:13 It is limited, unlike God's authority Responsibilities of those with authority They are to act as servants, not lording it over people Matthew 20:25-28 pp Mark 10:42-45 See also John 13:4-15 Their authority is to be used for the benefit of others 2 Corinthians 10:8 See also 2 Corinthians 13:10 It is sometimes necessary to withhold exercising authority for others' good 1 Corinthians 9:4-18 See also 1 Corinthians 6:1-7; Corinthians 8:8-13; Corinthians 10:23-24 Examples of the authority of believers Authority over possessions Acts 5:4 Peter to Ananias regarding the land he sold. Authority over the will 1 Corinthians 7:37 Paul on marriage. Authority to become children of God The authority of the law over believers during their lifetime See also
1130 God, sovereignty |
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