Authority
Stories
THE WONDER OF WORDS: BOOK 2
ONE-HUNDRED MORE WORDS AND PHRASES SHAPING HOW CHRISTIANS THINK AND LIVE
"By what authority are you acting like this?" was the question posed to Jesus by the religious leaders. (Mark 11:27) This question of authority, in matters of religion, is at the basis of most of our controversies in the church today. The word authority comes from the Latin word "auctoritas," which, in turn, comes from the word "auctor," meaning one who causes to grow. There are two forms of authority: external and internal. External authority is signified by the Latin word "imperium," and refers to the right to be obeyed. This external authority is attached to an office, such as policeman, bishop, emperor. The disciples of Jesus had been brought up to think of authority in terms of power. "In the world," said Jesus, "the recognized rulers lord it over their subjects, and their great men make them feel the weight of authority." (Mark 10:42) When Jesus lived, the clearest example of external authority was in the Roman system, with its headquarters in Rome. Today there are Christians who find their religious authority in the external imperium of the church, or a certain leader, or the Bible. Yet the church has erred in morals, in opposing the discoveries of science, and in its witness to the Word of God. The chosen leader can be wrong. The same Bible is claimed and appealed to by contradictory groups.
Internal authority is signified by the Latin word "auctoritas," and refers to the weight of evidence, experience, or example. Such internal authority is seen in that of a scientist, a musician, or a saint. Jesus revolutionized the disciples' concept of authority when he directed their attention to the Roman system of external authority, and then said: "That is not the way with you; whoever wants to be great must be your servant." (Mark 10:43) People recognized this inherent authority in Jesus when they said about him: "He speaks with authority." (Mark 1:27) Jesus' authority rested on three factors. He himself was submissive to the authority of God. (John 8:28) He saw that real authority came from serving people. (Mark 10:45) He was sensitive in his dealing with people, so sensitive folk remembered Isaiah's words: "He will not snap off the broken reed, nor snuff out the smoldering wick." (Matthew 12:20)
Internal authority is signified by the Latin word "auctoritas," and refers to the weight of evidence, experience, or example. Such internal authority is seen in that of a scientist, a musician, or a saint. Jesus revolutionized the disciples' concept of authority when he directed their attention to the Roman system of external authority, and then said: "That is not the way with you; whoever wants to be great must be your servant." (Mark 10:43) People recognized this inherent authority in Jesus when they said about him: "He speaks with authority." (Mark 1:27) Jesus' authority rested on three factors. He himself was submissive to the authority of God. (John 8:28) He saw that real authority came from serving people. (Mark 10:45) He was sensitive in his dealing with people, so sensitive folk remembered Isaiah's words: "He will not snap off the broken reed, nor snuff out the smoldering wick." (Matthew 12:20)
