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
