The concept of Supreme authority in Christianity
Supreme authority in Christianity signifies the ultimate power held by Jesus, who redefined traditional practices such as the Passover, demonstrating His unmatched control over spiritual and moral life. This authority is exemplified by the influence Jesus had on His followers and the dominance of God's will, which surpasses all earthly powers. Supreme authority encompasses the capacity to dictate actions and moral decisions, both personally and in broader social contexts, emphasizing the calling to serve and follow Christ with unwavering commitment.
Synonyms: Highest power, Ultimate control, Sovereign authority, Absolute authority, Paramount power, Sovereignty, Dominance, Supremacy, Control, Power, Command, Rule, Ultimate power, Highest authority, Paramount authority, Sovereign power, Supreme power, Absolute control, Sovereign rule
In Finnish: Korkein auktoriteetti; In Swedish: Högsta myndighet; In Spanish: Autoridad suprema; In Malay: Pihak berkuasa tertinggi; In German: Oberste Autorität; In Dutch: Opperste autoriteit; In French: Autorité suprême
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Supreme authority'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The text suggests that any resolution to follow Christ can not be too enthusiastic, nor can any renunciation for His sake be too absolute, to correspond to His supreme authority.[1] (2) The Commander needs but to speak, and so mystic is the power of His uttered will, that effects on the material universe follow that altogether immaterial energy.[2] (3) This term refers to the ultimate power, the ultimate measure of our possession, and the ability to control our lives, dictating the measure of imitation.[3] (4) Supreme authority refers to the unparalleled power Jesus demonstrated when He redefined the significance of the Passover rite, asserting His importance over traditional observances.[4]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The commanding presence and influence of Jesus, recognized by His followers and detractors alike, which transcends His miracles and resonates in His teachings.[5] (2) The overwhelming power a husband held over his wife in terms of decisions affecting her life, including divorce.[6]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) Supreme authority was possessed by John Hyrcanus for over thirty years, and which he left to be enjoyed by his son, Aristobulus.[7]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) A higher power believed to govern the human conscience and the moral law, ultimately identified as God.[8] (2) God's unmatched power that enables Him to issue a pardon, free from any higher control or opposition.[9]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The highest and uncontested power that is attributed to God, asserting that no other being can claim to share this power.[10]
The concept of Supreme authority in local and regional sources
Supreme authority refers to the absolute power held by rulers like Caedwalla, who imposed control by eliminating sub-kings, and Earconbert, who wielded authority to eradicate idol worship within his realm, demonstrating the centralized power of monarchy.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Earconbert's power as king, allowing him to command the forsaking and destruction of idols in his kingdom.[11] (2) Caedwalla took upon himself the supreme authority after subduing and removing the sub-kings during Leutherius' episcopate.[12]