On this attribute of power of God, see OMNIPOTENCE. 6-8; 1 Cor 15:56-57 ). With no political clout, no military at his command, no particular social prestige, and no wealth to his name, he reserves the authority of power for special occasions. The word “authority” is used rarely in the Old Testament. Answer: Exousia is a Greek word most often translated as “ authority ” or “power.” It is especially used in terms of moral influence. His inexplicable power is the only explanation for the virgin birth of Jesus ( Luke 1:35 ). Such an observation, however, is not a valid use of etymology. Jesus gave seventy-two disciples the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions ( Luke 10:19 ). Jesus was handed over to the official power of the governor ( Luke 20:20 ). All such authority begins with God, for there is no authority except from God ( Rom 13:1 ). The Bible issues definitive directives. The apostle Peter provides the clearest example of what is called civil disobedience. Evangelical theology appeals to the authority of Scripture because it views the Bible as the written Word of God, pointing beyond itself to the absolute authority, the living and transcendent Word of God. God's kind of power is seen in his creation ( Psalm 19 ; 150:1 ; Jer 10:12 ). Satan has authority to function within the parameters established by God ( Acts 26:18 ). Proud member When Christ comes again, he will reign from a new throne in the new city. We want to change the world for Christ. From a theological perspective the fourth use of authority is most significant. The end of all time's developments is that God takes to Him His great power and reigns (Revelation 11:17). So it is difficult for many in our day to comply with the demands of those in authority. The evangelical response to that question, uncovered in the Protestant Reformation, is soLam Scriptura. "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". Dynamite was not in existence during Paul's time. God gave Paul the right to preach the gospel ( 1 Co 9:18 ). The Difference Between Spiritual Authority and Power March 8, 2018 By Patrick Oben 2 Comments Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases (Lk. This use of authority indicates a social relation between at least two individuals where one is the ruler. Christ lived in perfect submission to the Father. The Bible uses a variety of Hebrew and Greek terms that represent the semantic domain of power although they may be translated in different ways. These spheres are civil government, the home, and the church. The simplest definition is that authority means a person has the right to do something, and power means they have the ability to do it. Authority means the delegated right to rule or lead. The Greek term exousia [ejxousiva] is most often translated "power" in the King James Version but it is almost always translated "authority" in modern versions. The believer's union with Christ delivers him or her from the power of sin (cf. The contextual nuance of each occurrence of a Hebrew or Greek word must be considered in translation. Source: Knowledge and expertise. Terms such as boss, president, sheriff, and sexual harassment bring the picture of power to mind. Luke 1:17: "him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers" Luke 1:35: "upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore" Luke 4:14: "returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee:" Luke 4:36: "for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean" In human relationships, power is the authority one person holds over another. Definition: power to act, authority Usage: (a) power, authority, weight, especially: moral authority, influence, (b) in a quasi-personal sense, derived from later Judaism, of a spiritual power, and hence of an earthly power. Power is always a derived characteristic for people, who receive power from God ( Deut 8:18 ; Isa 40:29 ; Micah 3:8 ; Matt 22:29 ; 1 Cor 2:4 ; Eph 3:7 ), from political position ( Esther 1:3 ; Luke 20:20 ), from armies ( 1 Chron 20:1 ), and from other structures that provide advantage over others. Citizens are to submit to the governing authorities ( 1 Pe 2:13-14 ). Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. The Father did God did not coerce Him to “become flesh and dwell among us” ( John 1:14 ). God has the right to mold the clay as he wishes ( Rom 9:21 ) and to set times and dates ( Acts 1:7 ). Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. First, authority is the freedom to decide or a right to act without hindrance. 6:13), so what He says is the final arbiter of truth. Authority The concept of authority seldom appears in the Old Testament. Every person has an authority in life that he or she submits to as a subordinate, not by constraint but by conviction. Furthermore, the biblical deity is a God of history, not just nature. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Jesus as the God-Man demonstrated both the intrinsic and derived aspects of power. B. Holmberg, Paul and Power: The Structure of Authority in the Primitive Church. 6-8) and introduces him or her to the "power of [Christ's] resurrection" ( Php 3:10 ). He dwells in you. Furthermore, God has created human beings to live under his authority. When a person in authority violates the trust granted by God, the source of all authority, the subordinate is free, indeed mandated, "to obey God rather than man" ( Acts 5:29 ). Christ has given every follower his power and authority to defeat Satan and all evil spirits. Perhaps the best example of how this functions is seen in the role of police in our society. 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