5216 authority, nature of
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

John 19:10-11

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

John 1:12

The authority of the law over believers during their lifetime

Romans 7:1

See also

1130  God, sovereignty
1610  Scripture
2012  Christ, authority
2345  Christ, kingdom of
3045  Holy Spirit, sovereignty
4110  angels
4120  Satan
5452  power
6658  freedom
7706  apostles
7733  leaders



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