Topical Encyclopedia
The term "authoritative" in a biblical context refers to the power and right to command, enforce laws, exact obedience, determine, or judge. In the Scriptures, authority is a central theme, particularly concerning God's sovereignty, the authority of Jesus Christ, and the authority of Scripture itself.
Divine AuthorityGod's authority is foundational in the Bible, as He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. His authority is absolute and unquestionable. In
Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," we see the ultimate expression of divine authority in the act of creation. God's commands and decrees are binding, as seen throughout the Old Testament, where His laws and covenants guide the lives of His people.
Authority of Jesus ChristThe New Testament emphasizes the authority of Jesus Christ, who is depicted as having divine authority. In
Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This statement underscores His supreme authority over all creation, a theme that is echoed throughout the Gospels. Jesus' authority is demonstrated through His teachings, miracles, and His power to forgive sins, as seen in
Mark 2:10-11: "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home."
Authority of ScriptureThe Bible itself is considered authoritative as the inspired Word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms this, stating, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." The authority of Scripture is foundational for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, guiding believers in their faith and practice.
Apostolic AuthorityThe apostles, as chosen messengers of Christ, were endowed with authority to teach and establish the early church. In
Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This authority was evident in their preaching, teaching, and the writing of the New Testament epistles, which continue to instruct and edify the church today.
Authority in the ChurchWithin the church, authority is exercised through leadership roles such as elders and pastors, who are tasked with shepherding the flock.
Hebrews 13:17 instructs believers, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This verse highlights the responsibility and authority of church leaders to guide and care for the spiritual well-being of their congregations.
ConclusionThe concept of authority in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing divine, Christological, scriptural, apostolic, and ecclesiastical dimensions. Each aspect underscores the importance of recognizing and submitting to the rightful authority established by God for the order and flourishing of His creation and His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Having, or proceeding from, due authority; entitled to obedience, credit, or acceptance; determinate; commanding.
2. (a.) Having an air of authority; positive; dictatorial; peremptory; as, an authoritative tone.
Greek
1344. dikaioo -- to show to be righteous, declare righteous... Cognate: 1344 (from , "right, judicial-approval") -- properly, , especially in a
legal,
authoritative sense; to show what is right, ie conformed to a proper
...1297. diatagma -- an edict, mandate
... commandment. From diatasso; an arrangement, ie (authoritative) edict -- commandment.
see GREEK diatasso. (diatagma) -- 1 Occurrence. 1296, 1297....
1785. entole -- an injunction, order, command
... commandment, precept. From entellomai; injunction, ie Anauthoritative prescription --
commandment, precept. see GREEK entellomai. (entolai) -- 1 Occurrence....
2964. kuroo -- to make valid
... confirm. From the same as kurios; to makeauthoritative, ie Ratify -- confirm. see
GREEK kurios. (kekuromenen) -- 1 Occurrence. (kurosai) -- 1 Occurrence....
1299. diatasso -- to arrange thoroughly, ie to charge, appoint
... [Such an order also goes all the necessary proper "chain-of-command," which
further underlines its binding (authoritative) nature....
1335. diegesis -- a narrative
... Cognate: 1335 (from 1334 , " lead, conduct, narrate") -- properly, a full narration
(account), as carefully recorded in anauthoritative historical account...
Strong's Hebrew
7983. shilton -- mastery... 7982, 7983. shilton. 7984 . mastery. Transliteration: shilton Phonetic
Spelling: (shil-tone') Short Definition:
authoritative. Word
...Library
But, that we Might Attain an Ampler and MoreAuthoritative...
... Chapter XVIII. But, that we might attain an ampler and moreauthoritative
knowledge at once of Himself? But, that we might attain...
How did the Church Arrive at a SecondAuthoritative Canon in...
... THE ORIGIN OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 1. How did the Church arrive at a second
authoritative Canon in addition to the Old Testament? From...
Though the New Testament Brought to an End the Production of...
... THE ORIGIN OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 5. Though the New Testament brought to an end the
production ofauthoritative Christian writings, yet it cleared the way for...
St. Luke's Gospel, Selected by Marcion as his Authority, and...
... Chapter II."St. Luke's Gospel, Selected by Marcion as His Authority, and
Mutilated by Him. The Other Gospels EquallyAuthoritative....
Early History of Revision.
... called for consideration and correction, and further brought home to very many of
us that this could never be brought about except by anauthoritative revision...
Concerning Lordships and Powers and Authorities, and Concerning...
... order, with regard to the Divine receptions, and the discipline of the supermundane
and intellectual authority, not using theauthoritative powers imperiously...
The Greatest English Classic
... Buddhism and Confucianism count their books rather records of their faith than rules
for it, history rather thanauthoritative sources of belief....
Preface
... Sec. 1. How did the Church arrive at a secondauthoritative Canon in addition to
the Old Testament? 4. A. What motives led to the creation of the New Testament?...
The Comforter
... teacher, and when I am gone, I will send you another teacher, and he shall be the
person who is to explain Scripture; he shall be theauthoritative oracle of...
The Saybrook Platform
... The Heads of Agreement were the most liberal part of the Saybrook Platform, and
were not considered sufficientlyauthoritative. Accordingly,"....
Thesaurus
Authoritative (2 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Having an air of authority; positive; dictatorial; peremptory; as, an
authoritative tone. Multi-Version Concordance
Authoritative (2 Occurrences).
...Dogma
... doctrine. 2. (n.) A formally stated and authoritatively settled doctrine;
a definite, established, andauthoritative tenet. 3. (n...
Lutheran
... THE ORDINANCE 1. The Teaching of Scripture (1) AnAuthoritative Command (2) A Clear
Declaration of the Object in View (3) A Definite Promise (4) A Plain...
General (9 Occurrences)
... received an extension of meaning so as to include writings of this kind, stress
now being laid on their non-acceptance asauthoritative Scriptures by the church...
Doctrine (52 Occurrences)
... THE ORDINANCE 1. The Teaching of Scripture (1) AnAuthoritative Command (2) A Clear
Declaration of the Object in View (3) A Definite Promise (4) A Plain...
Vulgate
... 1. Present Usage: The term "Vulgate" with us means but one thing-the standard
authoritative Bible of the Latin or Roman church, prepared mostly by the labors...
Levites (267 Occurrences)
... For all Judaism subsequent to Ezra, and so for Christian tradition, the
Priestly Code in this matter also has beenauthoritative....
Priests (451 Occurrences)
... For all Judaism subsequent to Ezra, and so for Christian tradition, the
Priestly Code in this matter also has beenauthoritative....
Author (5 Occurrences)
Baptism (76 Occurrences)
... THE ORDINANCE 1. The Teaching of Scripture (1) AnAuthoritative Command (2) A Clear
Declaration of the Object in View (3) A Definite Promise (4) A Plain...
Resources
What is prima scriptura? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sola scriptura? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the apocryphal gospels? | GotQuestions.orgAuthoritative: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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