Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5215 authority  »  5217 authority, in the church

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

Supreme authority belongs to Jesus Christ as head of the church

Ephesians 5:23 See also Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 5:24; Colossians 1:18

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

As shepherds who teach and care for the flock

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

As overseers ruling the church

Acts 20:28 See also Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Those serving as overseers must rule their own homes well; 1 Timothy 5:17

The response of the church to the authority of elders

Elders are to be obeyed

Hebrews 13:17

Elders are to be honoured and respected

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 See also 1 Timothy 5:17

Paul limits the authority of women in the church

1 Timothy 2:12 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. See also 1 Corinthians 11:5-6,10; Corinthians 14:33-37

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

1 Timothy 2:13-14 See also 1 Corinthians 11:3,7-10

Kinds of authority within the church

Authority to preach the gospel

Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 16:15

Authority to excommunicate

Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 “hand this man over to Satan” here means “send back into the world ruled by Satan”; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

Authority to forgive sins

Matthew 18:18; John 20:23

See also

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