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The concept of Authority in Christianity

Authority in Christianity encompasses the power derived from a specific source, where its invocation often replaces direct commands. It is expressed as a capacity for service, binding individuals to work diligently for Christ. Jesus exemplifies this authority, possessing the ability to determine the future and govern the world. The New Testament grants recognized power for enforcing rules, while the Apostle values love over authority. Different branches, like Protestantism and the Catholic Church, define authority as the power to make decisions and judgments, rooting it in tradition and scriptural promises.1
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Synonyms: Power, Control, Influence, Command, Leadership, Dominion, Jurisdiction, Sway, Governance, Mastery, Supremacy, Dominance, Sovereignty

In Dutch: Autoriteit; In Finnish: Viranomainen; In Spanish: Autoridad; In German: µþ±ð³óö°ù»å±ð; In Malay: Kuasa; In Swedish: Myndighet; In French: ´¡³Ü³Ù´Ç°ù¾±³Ùé

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Authority'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This term refers to the power and control of the one who dispatches others, and is recognized through the actions and the honor of those who are sent.[1] (2) Origen did not like to make his books too long, and on this point disregarded the authority of his mentor, Ambrosius, regarding the length of the books.[2] (3) The text mentions that this is great, and is associated with antiquity, and is used to support the religious institutions of ancestors.[3] (4) Nor have regard to the author, but to this, and especially that of custom itself, which on this very account we should revere, that we may not want an interpreter.[4] (5) This is something that the views are thought to establish on, by those promises which are written regarding Jerusalem, and other passages.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The text describes Jesus as having the authority to determine the future, and he is the monarch of the dim world, and he has the power.[6] (2) This is all derived, and it is all given for the sake of others, and it is all capacity for service, and hence the authority with which the servants are invested binds every one of them to hard work for Christ.[7] (3) Authority is something that the Apostle could have used, but waived in favor of love, and is also the weapon of a weak man who is doubtful of his own power, according to the text.[8] (4) The acknowledgment of the hierarchical system that Jesus submitted to, reflecting both His divine obedience and human experience.[9]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This is derived from a specific source, and based on this, the invocation of a name was likely used in place of a direct command, as shown.[10] (2) The entity is sanctioned by the New Testament, implying a recognized power or right to enforce rules and make decisions within a specific context, as mentioned.[11]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The power or right a person has to make judgments, which is crucial for the legitimacy of a ruling.[12]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The power and right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.[13]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.