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.

Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.

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

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.

It involves the rightful freedom to give orders

Matthew 8:9 parallel 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 parallel Luke 19:17 the parable of the talents; Mark 13:34; Luke 20:20, Luke 23:7; John 19:10ACT John 9:14, Acts 26:10, Acts 26:12 1 Peter 2:13

For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”

It is limited, unlike God's authority

John 19:10–11

So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Responsibilities of those with authority

They are to act as servants, not lording it over people

Matthew 20:25–28 parallel Mark 10:42–45 See also John 13:4–15

But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Their authority is to be used for the benefit of others

2 Corinthians 10:8 See also 2 Corinthians 13:10

For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

It is sometimes necessary to withhold exercising authority for others' good

1 Corinthians 9:4–18 See also 1 Corinthians 6:1–7, 1 Corinthians 8:8–13, 1 Corinthians 10:23–24

Examples of the authority of believers

Authority over possessions

Acts 5:4 Peter to Ananias regarding the land he sold.

Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”

Authority over the will

1 Corinthians 7:37 Paul on marriage.

But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well.

Authority to become children of God

John 1:12

But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God —

The authority of the law over believers during their lifetime

Romans 7:1

Do you not know, brothers (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives?