The exercise of freedom under Jesus Christ's authority for the good of the church.

Ephesians 5:23

Supreme authority belongs to Jesus Christ as head of the church

See also

Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; 5:24
Colossians 1:18
Acts 20:28

Spiritual authority under Jesus Christ in the church is possessed by elders

See also

As shepherds who teach and care for the flock

John 21:15-17
Ephesians 4:11-13
1 Timothy 3:2; 5:17
Titus 2:1-10
1 Peter 5:2
Acts 20:28

See also

As overseers ruling the church

Romans 12:8
1 Thessalonians 5:12
1 Timothy 5:17

Those serving as overseers must rule their own homes well

Hebrews 13:17

The response of the church to the authority of elders

Elders are to be obeyed

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

See also

Elders are to be honoured and respected

1 Timothy 5:17
1 Timothy 2:12

Paul limits the authority of women in the church

See also

1 Corinthians 11:5-6,10; 14:33-37

Some believe Paul's restriction to apply to the women in the Ephesian church who were seizing authority rather than having been granted it. Others believe Paul is prohibiting women from being official teachers in the assembled church.

1 Timothy 2:13-14

See also

The reason for this prohibition derives from God's order of creation

1 Corinthians 11:3,7-10
Matthew 28:18-19

Kinds of authority within the church

Mark 16:15

Authority to preach the gospel

Matthew 18:15-18
1 Corinthians 5:1-5

Authority to excommunicate

1 Corinthians 5:9-13

"hand this man over to Satan" here means "send back into the world ruled by Satan"

Matthew 18:18
John 20:23

Authority to forgive sins

See also

2212 Christ, head of church
7026 church, leadership
7720 elders in the church
7784 shepherd
7943 ministry in church