Authority

One common problem today is that most denominations do not require authority for what they do in worship and practice. It has become a world where church leaders are totally independent and are not based upon authority from Christ.

Authority is a clearly defined necessity in the Gospel. It is clear Christ practiced the need for authority in practice.

Luk 9:1  ThenG1161 he called his twelve disciples together,G4779 G848 G1427 G3101 and gaveG1325 themG846 powerG1411 andG2532 authorityG1849 overG1909 allG3956 devils,G1140 andG2532 to cureG2323 diseases.G3554

Luk 9:2  AndG2532 he sentG649 themG846 to preachG2784 theG3588 kingdomG932 of God,G2316 andG2532 to healG2390 theG3588 sick.G770

The words for power and authority are different, one signifies the ability to do something and the other the authority, as given by God. One could have ability without having authority. An example would be the Apostles knew Jesus was Christ before they were authorized to publicly proclaim Christ.

They were only authorized to proclaim the Kingdom of God in an eminent sense at this time, they were not allowed or authorized to tell all that they knew.

Power does not necessarily mean we have authority, and this can apply in many areas of theology.

The Churches of Christ believe we need authority in faith and practice. Ability does not mean we are authorized.

This could apply to women preachers, musical accompaniment, self-proclaimed pastors, etc.

The ability to be a world class speaker doesn't mean you are authorized to speak as a teacher in the church. Being a world class musician doesn't make your music authorized by God. Many churches simply use gifted people, as if natural giftedness is the criteria, even in Apostolic times gifts of the Spirit were required vs natural gifts.

Paul for instance said he was naturally a bad speaker saying he was rude in speech. He also said he didn't come with wisdom of speech, so that he had few natural linguistic gifts.

2Co 11:6  ButG1161 thoughG1487 G2532 I be rudeG2399 in speech,G3056 yetG235 notG3756 in knowledge;G1108 butG235 we have been throughlyG1722 G3956 made manifestG5319 amongG1519 youG5209 inG1722 all things.G3956

Paul was not a naturally gifted speaker. Yet, he was chosen as an Apostle. Plus, there were great speakers who were considered false teachers. Giftedness does not prove one is authorized to interject themselves as leaders in the church.

The Christian church often used giftedness in debates to try and prove authorization for different practices. Giftedness in their view proved God authorized their gift to be exercised. Catholics used the fable of the "Little Drummer Boy" to introduce the concept of giftedness though the concept wasn't Biblical. Surely God wouldn't correct a little boy who just wanted to honor him. Probably not since God is gracious, but that doesn't give adults the precedent to ignore authority in worship.

It does not prove authorization, for many natural gifts have been used to lead men astray.

Peter answered Simon in Acts 8, when he wanted the ability to pass gifts to others, Peter said he had "No part in the matter", God had not authorized Simon to be part of passing gifts. This, despite Simon being highly astute at influencing people in his past. Simon had influenced and led away cities.

His ability to influence did not authorize him to act as an apostle.

Gifts do not authorize, Christ authorizes. Christ authorized minor commissions, the great commission, and the Church built upon his name.

Eph 2:20  And are builtG2026 uponG1909 theG3588 foundationG2310 of theG3588 apostlesG652 andG2532 prophets,G4396 JesusG2424 ChristG5547 himselfG846 beingG5607 the chief cornerG204 stone;

The church is built upon the authority of Christ and those authorized under him. There are many self-appointed leaders, who Christ has never recognized.

Popes

Priests

Pastors

Whom Christ never authorized. The phrase "I never knew you" can actually be translated "I never allowed you", it means to not be authorized or allowed.

Mat 7:22  ManyG4183 will sayG2046 to meG3427 inG1722 thatG1565 day,G2250 Lord,G2962 Lord,G2962 have we notG3756 prophesiedG4395 in thyG4674 name?G3686 andG2532 in thyG4674 nameG3686 have cast outG1544 devils?G1140 andG2532 in thyG4674 nameG3686 doneG4160 manyG4183 wonderful works?G1411

Mat 7:23  AndG2532 thenG5119 will I professG3670 unto them,G846 I neverG3763 knewG1097 you:G5209 departG672 fromG575 me,G1700 ye that workG2038 iniquity.G458

Christ did not specifically know them or allow their works.

This is like infant baptism, which is not specifically taught or allowed by God. It has no official authority from Christ. Many have made changes without Christ's authority. they were never given the authority to decide.

The Church is authorized to preach the Gospel without self interjecting theories.

ginōskō

ghin-oce'-ko

A prolonged form of a primary verb; to “know” (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as shown at left, with others not thus clearly expressed): - allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) known (-ledge), perceive, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.

Total KJV occurrences: 223

The word is used when someone is not allowed or does something unknowingly behind someone's back.