Authority in the Bible

Authority, as presented in the Bible, is a divinely instituted concept that reflects God's sovereign rule over creation. The Scriptures affirm that all authority originates from God, who delegates it to various human institutions and individuals for the purpose of order and governance. In Romans 13:1 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage underscores the belief that earthly authorities are established by divine mandate.

Divine Authority

God's ultimate authority is evident from the very beginning of Scripture. In Genesis 1:1 , "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," we see God's sovereign power in creation. His authority is further demonstrated through His commandments and covenants with humanity, such as the Ten Commandments given to Moses (Exodus 20:1-17) and the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:1-8).

Jesus Christ's Authority

The New Testament reveals the authority of Jesus Christ, who is described as having authority over all things. In Matthew 28:18 , Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is evident in His teachings, miracles, and ultimately, His victory over sin and death through His resurrection. Jesus' authority is also seen in His ability to forgive sins, as demonstrated in Mark 2:10 : "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..."

Authority of Scripture

The Bible itself is regarded as the authoritative Word of God. In 2 Timothy 3:16 , it is written, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This verse highlights the belief that Scripture is divinely inspired and serves as the ultimate guide for faith and practice.

Human Authority and Jurisdiction

Human authority is seen in various forms throughout the Bible, including familial, ecclesiastical, and governmental structures. In the family, parents are given authority over their children, as seen in Ephesians 6:1-4 , where children are instructed to obey their parents. In the church, leaders are appointed to shepherd the flock, as described in 1 Peter 5:1-3 , where elders are exhorted to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you."

Governmental authority is also recognized, with rulers and leaders tasked with maintaining justice and order. In 1 Peter 2:13-14 , believers are instructed to "submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right."

Limits and Accountability

While authority is divinely instituted, it is not absolute. Human authorities are accountable to God and are expected to exercise their power justly and righteously. In Acts 5:29 , Peter and the apostles assert, "We must obey God rather than men," indicating that divine authority supersedes human commands when the two are in conflict.

Conclusion

The biblical understanding of authority and jurisdiction emphasizes the divine origin of all authority, the supreme authority of God and Jesus Christ, and the delegated authority given to human institutions. This framework calls for a balance of submission to rightful authority and adherence to God's ultimate sovereignty.