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 Authority God'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 Christ The 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 Scripture The 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 Authority The 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 Church Within 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. Conclusion The 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 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1344.htm - 9k 1297. diatagma -- an edict, mandate 1785. entole -- an injunction, order, command 2964. kuroo -- to make valid 1299. diatasso -- to arrange thoroughly, ie to charge, appoint 1335. diegesis -- a narrative Strong's Hebrew 7983. shilton -- mastery... 7982, 7983. shilton. 7984 . mastery. Transliteration: shilton Phonetic Spelling: (shil-tone') Short Definition: authoritative. Word ... /hebrew/7983.htm - 6k Library But, that we Might Attain an Ampler and More Authoritative ... How did the Church Arrive at a Second Authoritative Canon in ... Though the New Testament Brought to an End the Production of ... St. Luke's Gospel, Selected by Marcion as his Authority, and ... Early History of Revision. Concerning Lordships and Powers and Authorities, and Concerning ... The Greatest English Classic Preface The Comforter The Saybrook Platform Thesaurus Authoritative (2 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Having an air of authority; positive; dictatorial; peremptory; as, an authoritative tone. Multi-Version Concordance Authoritative (2 Occurrences). ... /a/authoritative.htm - 7k Dogma Lutheran General (9 Occurrences) Doctrine (52 Occurrences) Vulgate Levites (267 Occurrences) Priests (451 Occurrences) Author (5 Occurrences) Baptism (76 Occurrences) Resources What is prima scriptura? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sola scriptura? | GotQuestions.org What are the apocryphal gospels? | GotQuestions.org Authoritative: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Authoritative (2 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 10:10 Ecclesiastes 8:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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