Dictionary of Bible Themes – 5217 authority, in the church
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5217 authority, in the church

5217 authority, in the church

The exercise of freedom under Jesus Christ’s authority for the good of the church.

Supreme authority belongs to Jesus Christ as head of the church

Eph 5:23 See also Eph 1:22; Eph 4:15; Eph 5:24; Col 1:18

Spiritual authority under Jesus Christ in the church is possessed by elders

As shepherds who teach and care for the flock Ac 20:28 See also Jn 21:15-17; Eph 4:11-13; 1Ti 3:2; 1Ti 5:17; Tit 2:1-10; 1Pe 5:2

As overseers ruling the church Ac 20:28 See also Ro 12:8; 1Th 5:12 Those serving as overseers must rule their own homes well; 1Ti 5:17

The response of the church to the authority of elders

Elders are to be obeyed Heb 13:17

Elders are to be honoured and respected 1Th 5:12-13 See also 1Ti 5:17

Paul limits the authority of women in the church

1Ti 2:12 Some believe Paul’s restriction to apply to the women in the Ephesian church who were seizing authority rather than having been granted it. Others believe Paul is prohibiting women from being official teachers in the assembled church. See also 1Co 11:5-6,10; 1Co 14:33-37

The reason for this prohibition derives from God’s order of creation 1Ti 2:13-14 See also 1Co 11:3,7-10

Kinds of authority within the church

Authority to preach the gospel Mt 28:18-19; Mk 16:15

Authority to excommunicate Mt 18:15-18; 1Co 5:1-5 “hand this man over to Satan” here means “send back into the world ruled by Satan”; 1Co 5:9-13

Authority to forgive sins Mt 18:18; Jn 20:23

See also

2212Christ, head of church
7026church, leadership
7720elders in the church
7784shepherd
7943ministry in church

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