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From the moment that he put him in charge of his household and
all his possessions, the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for
Joseph's sake; in fact, the LORD'S blessing was on everything he
owned, both inside the house and out. Having left everything he
owned in Joseph's charge, he gave no thought, with Joseph there,
to anything but the food he ate. Now Joseph was strikingly
handsome in countenance and body. After a time, his master's wife
began to look fondly at him and said, "Lie with me." But
he refused. "As long as I am here," he told her,
"my master does not concern himself with anything in the
house, but has entrusted to me all he owns. He wields no more
authority in this house than I do, and he has withheld from me
nothing but yourself, since you are his wife. How, then, could I
commit so great a wrong and thus stand condemned before God?"
Although she tried to entice him day after day, he would not agree
to lie beside her, or even stay near her. [Taken from GEN 39:5-10]
It is just as I told Pharaoh: God has revealed to Pharaoh what
he is about to do. Seven years of great abundance are now coming
throughout the land of Egypt; but these will be followed by seven
years of famine, when all the abundance in the land of Egypt will
be forgotten. When the famine has ravaged the land, no trace of
the abundance will be found in the land because of the famine that
follows it - so utterly severe will that famine be. That Pharaoh
had the same dream twice means that the matter has been reaffirmed
by God and that God will soon bring it about. "Therefore, let
Pharaoh seek out a wise and discerning man and put him in charge
of the land of Egypt. Pharaoh should also take action to appoint
overseers, so as to regiment the land during the seven years of
abundance. They should husband all the food of the coming good
years, collecting the grain under Pharaoh's authority, to be
stored in the towns for food. This food will serve as a reserve
for the country against the seven years of famine that are to
follow in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish in
the famine." This advice pleased Pharaoh and all his
officials. "Could we find another like him," Pharaoh
asked his officials, "a man so endowed with the spirit of
God?" So Pharaoh said to Joseph: "Since God has made all
this known to you, no one can be as wise and discerning as you
are. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people shall
dart at your command. Only in respect to the throne shall I
outrank you. Herewith," Pharaoh told Joseph, "I place
you in charge of the whole land of Egypt." With that, Pharaoh
took off his signet ring and put it on Joseph's finger. He had him
dressed in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain about his
neck. [GEN 41:28-42]
"See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on
the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive
to him and heed his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will
not forgive your sin. My authority resides in him. If you heed his
voice and carry out all I tell you, I will be an enemy to your
enemies and a foe to your foes." [Taken from EX 23:20-22]
"Often, too, the fair speech of friends entrusted with the administration
of affairs has induced many placed in authority to become accomplices in the shedding of innocent blood, and has
involved them in irreparable calamities by deceiving with malicious slander the sincere good will of rulers. This can be verified in the ancient stories that have been handed down to us, but more fully when one considers the wicked deeds perpetrated in your midst by the pestilential influence of those undeserving of authority."
[Taken from ESTH E:5-7]
Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail and of Mordecai the Jew,
wrote to confirm with full authority this second letter about
Purim, when Mordecai sent documents concerning peace and security
to all the Jews in the hundred and twenty-seven provinces of
Ahasuerus' kingdom. Thus were established, for their appointed
time, these days of Purim which Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther
had designated for the Jews, just as they had previously enjoined
upon themselves and upon their race the duty of fasting and
supplication. The command of Esther confirmed these prescriptions
for Purim and was recorded in the book. [ESTH 9:29-32]
Demetrius sent a letter to Jonathan written in peaceful terms,
to pay him honor; for he said: "Let us be the first to make
peace with him, before he makes peace with Alexander against us,
since he will remember all the wrongs we have done to him, his
brothers, and his nation." So Demetrius authorized him to
gather an army and procure arms as his ally; and he ordered that
the hostages in the citadel be released to him. Accordingly
Jonathan went up to Jerusalem and read the letter to all the
people. The men in the citadel were struck with fear when they
heard that the king had given him authority to gather an army.
They released the hostages to Jonathan, and he gave them back to
their parents. Thereafter Jonathan dwelt in Jerusalem, and began
to build and restore the city. [1MACC 10:3-10]
"All the people approved of granting Simon
the right to act in accord with these decisions, and Simon
accepted and agreed to act as high priest, governor general, and
ethnarch of the Jewish people and priests and to exercise supreme authority over
all." [Taken from 1MACC 14:46-47]
But Seleucus died, and when Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes
succeeded him on the throne, Onias' brother Jason obtained the
high priesthood by corrupt means: in an interview, he promised the
king three hundred and sixty talents of silver, as well as eighty
talents from another source of income. Besides this he agreed to
pay a hundred and fifty more, if he were given authority to
establish a gymnasium and a youth club for it and to enroll men in
Jerusalem as Antiochians. When Jason received the king's approval
and came into office, he immediately initiated his countrymen into
the Greek way of life. He set aside the royal concessions granted
to the Jews through the mediation of John, father of Eupolemus
(that Eupolemus who would later go on an embassy to the Romans to
establish a treaty of friendship with them); he abrogated the
lawful institutions and introduced customs contrary to the law. He
quickly established a gymnasium at the very foot of the acropolis,
where he induced the noblest young men to wear the Greek hat. [2MACC
4:7-12]
Three years later Jason sent Menelaus, brother of the
aforementioned Simon, to deliver the money to the king, and to
obtain decisions on some important matters. When he had been
introduced to the king, he flattered him with such an air of
authority that he secured the high priesthood for himself,
outbidding Jason by three hundred talents of silver. He returned
with the royal commission, but with nothing that made him worthy
of the high priesthood; he had the temper of a cruel tyrant and
the rage of a wild beast. [2MACC 4:23-25]
When he had armed each of them, not so much with the safety of
shield and spear as with the encouragement of noble words, he
cheered them all by relating a dream, a kind of vision, worthy of
belief. What he saw was this: Onias, the former high priest, a
good and virtuous man, modest in appearance, gentle in manners,
distinguished in speech, and trained from childhood in every
virtuous practice, was praying with outstretched arms for the
whole Jewish community. Then in the same way another man appeared,
distinguished by his white hair and dignity, and with an air about
him of extraordinary, majestic authority. Onias then said of him,
"This is God's prophet Jeremiah, who loves his brethren and
fervently prays for his people and their holy city."
Stretching out his right hand, Jeremiah presented a gold sword to
Judas. As he gave it to him he said, "Accept this holy sword
as a gift from God; with it you shall crush your
adversaries." [Taken from 2MACC 15:11-16]
Hear, therefore, kings, and understand; learn, you
magistrates of the earth's expanse! Hearken, you who are in power
over the multitude and lord it over throngs of peoples! Because
authority was given you by the LORD and sovereignty by the
Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your
counsels! Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom, you
judged not rightly, and did not keep the law, nor
walk according to the will of God, Terribly and swiftly shall he
come against you, because judgment is stern for the exalted -
For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy but the mighty
shall be mightily put to the test. [Taken from WISDOM 6:1-6]
But Wisdom delivered from tribulations those who served her.
She, when the just man fled from his brother's anger, guided
him in direct ways, showed him the kingdom of God and
gave him knowledge of holy things; She prospered him in his
labors and made abundant the fruit of his works, stood by him
against the greed of his defrauders, and enriched him; She
preserved him from foes, and secured him against
ambush, and she gave him the prize for his stern struggle
that he might know that devotion to God is mightier than all
else. She did not abandon the just man when he was sold, but
delivered him from sin. She went down with him into the
dungeon, and did not desert him in his bonds, until she
brought him the scepter of royalty and authority over his
oppressors, showed those who had defamed him false, and
gave him eternal glory. [Taken from WISDOM 10:9-14]
Children, pay heed to a father's right; do so that you may
live. For the LORD sets a father in honor over his
children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. He
who honors his father atones for sins; he stores up riches who
reveres his mother. He who honors his father is gladdened by
children, and when he prays he is heard. He who reveres his
father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings
comfort to his mother. He who fears the LORD honors his
father, and serves his parents as rulers. In word and deed
honor your father that his blessing may come upon you; For a
father's blessing gives a family firm roots, but a mother's curse
uproots the growing plant. [SIRACH 3:1-8]
Seek not from the LORD authority, nor from the king a
place of honor. Parade not your justice before the Lord, and
before the king flaunt not your wisdom. Seek not to become a
judge if you have not strength to root out crime, Or you
will show favor to the ruler and mar your integrity. [Taken
from SIRACH 7:4-6]
He who talks too much is detested; he who pretends to authority
is hated. [SIRACH 20:7]
Hold the physician in honor, for he is essential to
you, and God it was who established his profession. From God
the doctor has his wisdom, and the king provides for his
sustenance. His knowledge makes the doctor distinguished, and
gives him access to those in authority. [SIRACH 38:1-3]
He gave to him his laws, and authority to prescribe and to judge: To teach the precepts to his people, and the ritual to the descendants of Israel.
[Taken from SIRACH 45:17]
And now bless the LORD who has crowned you with glory! May he grant you wisdom of heart to govern his people in justice, Lest their welfare should ever be forgotten, or your authority, throughout all time. [Taken
from SIRACH 45:26]
I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from
your station. On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim,
son of Hilkiah; I will clothe him with your robe, and gird
him with your sash, and give over to him your
authority. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of
Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. I will place the key of
the House of David on his shoulder; when he opens, no one
shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open. I will fix him
like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his
family; On him shall hang all the glory of his
family: descendants and offspring, all the little
dishes, from bowls to jugs. On that day, says the LORD of hosts,
the peg fixed in a sure spot shall give way, break off and fall,
and the weight that hung on it shall be done away with; for the
LORD has spoken. [Taken from ISA 22:19-25]
Say this to Shemaiah, the Nehelamite: Thus says the LORD of
hosts, the God of Israel: Because you sent letters on your own
authority to all the people of Jerusalem, to all the priests and
to Zephaniah, the priest, son of Maaseiah, with this message:
"The LORD has appointed you priest in place of the priest
Jehoiada, so that there may be police officers in the house of the
LORD, to take action against all madmen and those who pose as
prophets, by putting them into the stocks or the pillory. Why,
then, do you not rebuke Jeremiah of Anathoth who poses as a
prophet among you? For he sent us in Babylon this message: It will
be a long time; build houses to live in; plant gardens and eat
their fruits..." When the priest Zephaniah read this letter
to the prophet, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: Send the
message to all the exiles: Thus says the LORD concerning Shemaiah,
the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah prophesies to you without a
mission from me, and raises false confidence, says the LORD, I
will therefore punish Shemaiah, the Nehelamite, and his offspring.
None of them shall survive among this people to see the good I
will do to this people, says the LORD, because he preached
rebellion against the LORD. [Taken from JER 29:24-32]
Darius decided to appoint over his entire kingdom one hundred
and twenty satraps, to safeguard his interests; these were
accountable to three supervisors, one of whom was Daniel. Daniel
outshone all the supervisors and satraps because an extraordinary
spirit was in him, and the king thought of giving him authority
over the entire kingdom. Therefore the supervisors and satraps
tried to find grounds for accusation against Daniel as regards the
administration. But they could accuse him of no wrongdoing;
because he was trustworthy, no fault of neglect or misconduct was
to be found in him. Then these men said to themselves, "We
shall find no grounds for accusation against this Daniel unless by
way of the law of his God." So these supervisors and satraps
went thronging to the king and said to him, "King Darius,
live forever! All the supervisors of the kingdom, the prefects,
satraps, nobles, and governors are agreed that the following
prohibition ought to be put in force by royal decree: no one is to
address any petition to god or man for thirty days, except to you,
O king; otherwise he shall be cast into a den of lions. Now, O
king, issue the prohibition over your signature, immutable and
irrevocable under Mede and Persian law." So King Darius
signed the prohibition and made it law. [DAN 6:2-10]
A trumpet to your lips, You who watch over the house of
the LORD! Since they have violated my covenant, and sinned
against my law, While to me they cry out, "O, God of
Israel, we know you!" The men of Israel have thrown away what
is good; the enemy shall pursue them. They made kings, but
not by my authority; they established princes, but without my
approval. With their silver and gold they made idols for
themselves, to their own destruction.
[HOSEA 8:1-4]
Thus says the LORD regarding the prophets who lead my
people astray; Who, when their teeth have something to
bite, announce peace, But when one fails to put
something in their mouth, proclaim war against him. Therefore
you shall have night, not vision, darkness, not
divination; The sun shall go down upon the prophets, and the
day shall be dark for them. Then shall the seers be put to
shame, and the diviners confounded; They shall cover
their lips, all of them, because there is no answer from God.
But as for me, I am filled with power, with the spirit of the
LORD, with authority and with might; To declare to Jacob
his crimes and to Israel his sins.
[MICAH 3:5-8]
"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on
them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain
fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And
everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on
them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain
fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined." When Jesus
finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their
scribes. [MT 7:24-29]
When he entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and
appealed to him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home
paralyzed, suffering dreadfully." He said to him, "I
will come and cure him." The centurion said in reply,
"Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only
say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a person
subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to
one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes;
and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard
this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Amen, I
say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to
you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline
with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of
heaven, but the children of the kingdom will be driven out into
the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of
teeth." And Jesus said to the centurion, "You may go; as
you have believed, let it be done for you." And at that very
hour (his) servant was healed. [MT 8:5-13]
He entered a boat, made the crossing, and came into his own
town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a
stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,
"Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." At that, some
of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is
blaspheming." Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said,
"Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say,
'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you
may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive
sins" - he then said to the paralytic, "Rise, pick up
your stretcher, and go home." He rose and went home. When the
crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who
had given such authority to human beings. [MT 9:1-8]
Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority
over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease
and every illness. [MT 10:1]
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her
sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said
to her, "What do you wish?" She answered him,
"Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right
and the other at your left, in your kingdom." Jesus said in
reply, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink
the cup that I am going to drink?" They said to him, "We
can." He replied, "My cup you will indeed drink, but to
sit at my right and at my left (, this) is not mine to give but is
for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." When
the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But
Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of
the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their
authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your
servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.
Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and
to give his life as a ransom for many." [MT 20:20-28]
When he had come into the temple area, the chief priests and
the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and
said, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who
gave you this authority?" Jesus said to them in reply,
"I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me,
then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where
was John's baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human
origin?" They discussed this among themselves and said,
"If we say 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say to us, 'Then why
did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we
fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet." So
they said to Jesus in reply, "We do not know." He
himself said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what
authority I do these things." [MT 21:23-27]
Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath he entered the
synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out,
"What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you
come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of
God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of
him!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry
came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, "What
is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the
unclean spirits and they obey him." His fame spread
everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee. [MK 1:21-28]
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became
known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there
was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he
preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic
carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the
crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken
through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child,
your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting
there asking themselves, "Why does this man speak that way?
He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?" Jesus
immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to
themselves, so he said, "Why are you thinking such things in
your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins
are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk'? But
that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive
sins on earth" - he said to the paralytic, "I say to
you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home." He rose, picked up
his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were
all astounded and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen
anything like this." [MK 2:1-12]
He went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and
they came to him. He appointed twelve (whom he also named
apostles) that they might be with him and he might send them forth
to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: (he appointed
the twelve:) Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee,
and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is,
sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas,
James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas
Iscariot who betrayed him. [MK 3:13-19]
He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them
to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick - no food, no
sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals
but not a second tunic. He said to them, "Wherever you enter
a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place
does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the
dust off your feet in testimony against them." So they went
off and preached repentance. They drove out many demons, and they
anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. [MK 6:7-13]
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said
to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of
you." He replied, "What do you wish (me) to do for
you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we
may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Jesus
said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you
drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with
which I am baptized?" They said to him, "We can."
Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink,
and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be
baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared." When the ten
heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus
summoned them and said to them, "You know that those who are
recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and
their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall
not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you
will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be
the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but
to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." [MK 10:35-45]
They returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the
temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders
approached him and said to him, "By what authority are you
doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do
them?" Jesus said to them, "I shall ask you one
question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do
these things. Was John's baptism of heavenly or of human origin?
Answer me." They discussed this among themselves and said,
"If we say, 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say, '(Then) why
did you not believe him?' But shall we say, 'Of human
origin'?" - they feared the crowd, for they all thought John
really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, "We do
not know." Then Jesus said to them, "Neither shall I
tell you by what authority I do these things." [MK 11:27-33]
Jesus then went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught
them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching
because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man
with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud
voice, "Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of
God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Be quiet! Come out of
him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and
came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed
and said to one another, "What is there about his word? For
with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they
come out." And news of him spread everywhere in the
surrounding region. [LK 4:31-37]
One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the
law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee
and Judea and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was with him
for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was
paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set (him) in his
presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the
crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher
through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When he saw
their faith, he said, "As for you, your sins are
forgiven." Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask
themselves, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God
alone can forgive sins?" Jesus knew their thoughts and said
to them in reply, "What are you thinking in your hearts?
Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say,
'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has
authority on earth to forgive sins" - he said to the man who
was paralyzed, "I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher,
and go home." He stood up immediately before them, picked up
what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then
astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck
with awe, they said, "We have seen incredible things
today." [LK 5:17-26]
When he had finished all his words to the people, he entered
Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to
die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he
sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the
life of his slave. They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to
come, saying, "He deserves to have you do this for him, for
he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us." And
Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from
the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, "Lord, do
not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under
my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to
you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a
person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I
say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he
comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." When
Jesus heard this he was amazed at him and, turning, said to the
crowd following him, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I
found such faith." When the messengers returned to the house,
they found the slave in good health. [LK 7:1-10]
He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over
all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the
kingdom of God and to heal (the sick). He said to them, "Take
nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor
food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever
house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those
who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust
from your feet in testimony against them." Then they set out
and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and
curing diseases everywhere. [LK 9:1-6]
One day as he was teaching the people in the temple area and
proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and scribes, together
with the elders, approached him and said to him, "Tell us, by
what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who
gave you this authority?" He said to them in reply, "I
shall ask you a question. Tell me, was John's baptism of heavenly
or of human origin?" They discussed this among themselves,
and said, "If we say, 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say, 'Why
did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' then
all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was
a prophet." So they answered that they did not know from
where it came. Then Jesus said to them, "Neither shall I tell
you by what authority I do these things." [LK 20:1-8]
They watched [Jesus] closely and sent agents pretending to be righteous who were to trap him in speech, in order to hand him over to the authority and power of the governor.
[Taken from LK 20:20]
Then an argument broke out among them about which of them
should be regarded as the greatest. He said to them, "The
kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority
over them are addressed as 'Benefactors'; but among you it shall
not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest,
and the leader as the servant. For who is greater: the one seated
at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table?
I am among you as the one who serves. It is you who have stood by
me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father
has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in
my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes
of Israel." [LK 22:24-30]
When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven and
said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so
that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over
all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him.
Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true
God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on
earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now
glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you
before the world began." [Taken from JN 17:1-5]
When they had gathered together they asked him,
"Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to
Israel?" He answered them, "It is not for you to know
the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own
authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes
upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout
Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had
said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud
took him from their sight. [Taken from ACTS 1:6-9]
There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord
said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered,
"Here I am, Lord." The Lord said to him, "Get up
and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas
for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is there praying, and (in a
vision) he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay (his)
hands on him, that he may regain his sight." But Ananias
replied, "Lord, I have heard from many sources about this
man, what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem.
And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all
who call upon your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go,
for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name
before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites, and I will show him what
he will have to suffer for my name." So Ananias went and
entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, "Saul,
my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the
way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be
filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately things like scales
fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was
baptized, and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength. He
stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus, and he began at
once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of
God. All who heard him were astounded and said, "Is not this
the man who in Jerusalem ravaged those who call upon this name,
and came here expressly to take them back in chains to the chief
priests?" But Saul grew all the stronger and confounded (the)
Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Messiah. [ACTS
9:10-22]
A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent
speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the
scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and,
with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus,
although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak
boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him,
they took him aside and explained to him the Way (of God) more
accurately. And when he wanted to cross to Achaia, the brothers
encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him.
After his arrival he gave great assistance to those who had come
to believe through grace. He vigorously refuted the Jews in
public, establishing from the scriptures that the Messiah is
Jesus. [ACTS 18:24-28]
Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for
there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have
been established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority
opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring
judgment upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear to
good conduct, but to evil. Do you wish to have no fear of
authority? Then do what is good and you will receive approval from
it, for it is a servant of God for your good. But if you do evil,
be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is
the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer. Therefore, it
is necessary to be subject not only because of the wrath but also
because of conscience. This is why you also pay taxes, for the
authorities are ministers of God, devoting themselves to this very
thing. Pay to all their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, toll to
whom toll is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom
honor is due. [ROM 13:1-7]
Now in regard to the matters about which you wrote: "It is
a good thing for a man not to touch a woman," but because of
cases of immorality every man should have his own wife, and every
woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his duty toward
his wife, and likewise the wife toward her husband. A wife does
not have authority over her own body, but rather her husband, and
similarly a husband does not have authority over his own body, but
rather his wife. Do not deprive each other, except perhaps by
mutual consent for a time, to be free for prayer, but then return
to one another, so that Satan may not tempt you through your lack
of self-control. This I say by way of concession, however, not as
a command. Indeed, I wish everyone to be as I am, but each has a
particular gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.
[Taken from 1COR 7:1-7]
But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man,
and a husband the head of his wife, and God the head of Christ.
Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame
upon his head. But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head
unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same
thing as if she had had her head shaved. For if a woman does not
have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But
if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head
shaved, then she should wear a veil. A man, on the other hand,
should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of
God, but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from
woman, but woman from man; nor was man created for woman, but
woman for man; for this reason a woman should have a sign of
authority on her head, because of the angels. Woman is not
independent of man or man of woman in the Lord. For just as woman
came from man, so man is born of woman; but all things are from
God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God
with her head unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that if a
man wears his hair long it is a disgrace to him, whereas if a
woman has long hair it is her glory, because long hair has been
given (her) for a covering? But if anyone is inclined to be
argumentative, we do not have such a custom, nor do the churches
of God. [1COR 11:3-16]
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits
of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a
human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a
human being. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall
all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the
firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then
comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and
Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every
authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his
enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death,
for "he subjected everything under his feet." But when
it says that everything has been subjected, it is clear that it
excludes the one who subjected everything to him. When everything
is subjected to him, then the Son himself will (also) be subjected
to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all
in all. [1COR 15:20-28]
And even if I should boast a little too much of our authority,
which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you
down, I shall not be put to shame. May I not seem as one
frightening you through letters. For someone will say, "His
letters are severe and forceful, but his bodily presence is weak,
and his speech contemptible." Such a person must understand
that what we are in word through letters when absent, that we also
are in action when present. [Taken from 2COR 10:8-11]
Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in faith. Test
yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? -
unless, of course, you fail the test. I hope you will discover
that we have not failed. But we pray to God that you may not do
evil, not that we may appear to have passed the test but that you
may do what is right, even though we may seem to have failed. For
we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
For we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong. What we pray
for is your improvement. I am writing this while I am away, so
that when I come I may not have to be severe in virtue of the
authority that the Lord has given me to build up and not to tear down.
[2COR 13:5-10]
May the eyes of (your) hearts be enlightened, that you may know
what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of
glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the
surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord
with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ,
raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the
heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and
dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but
also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet
and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his
body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
[EPH 1:18-23]
First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers,
petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings
and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil
life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God
our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to
knowledge of the truth.
[1TM 2:1-4]
It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray,
lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument. Similarly,
(too,) women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with
modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold
ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes, but rather, as befits
women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds. A woman must
receive instruction silently and under complete control. I do not
permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must
be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Further, Adam was
not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she
will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in
faith and love and holiness, with self-control. [1TM 2:8-15]
For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us
to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live
temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the
blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of
our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us
from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his
own, eager to do what is good. Say these things. Exhort and
correct with all authority. Let no one look down on you. [TI 2:11-15]
To the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to
present you unblemished and exultant, in the presence of his
glory, to the only God, our savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord
be glory, majesty, power, and authority from ages past, now, and
for ages to come. Amen. [JUDE 1:24-25]
"To the victor, who keeps to my ways until the end, I
will give authority over the nations. He will rule them with an
iron rod. Like clay vessels will they be smashed, just as I
received authority from my Father. And to him I will give the
morning star." [RV 2:26-28]
When he broke open the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the
fourth living creature cry out, "Come forward." I
looked, and there was a pale green horse. Its rider was named
Death, and Hades accompanied him. They were given authority over a
quarter of the earth, to kill with sword, famine, and plague, and
by means of the beasts of the earth. [RV 6:7-8]
Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled
against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but
they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in
heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the
Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to
earth, and its angels were thrown down with it. Then I heard a
loud voice in heaven say: "Now have salvation and power
come, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his
Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast
out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They
conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their
testimony; love for life did not deter them from death.
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in
them. But woe to you, earth and sea, for the Devil has
come down to you in great fury, for he knows he has but a
short time." [Taken from RV 12:7-12]
Then I saw a beast come out of the sea with ten horns and seven
heads; on its horns were ten diadems, and on its heads blasphemous
name(s). The beast I saw was like a leopard, but it had feet like
a bear's, and its mouth was like the mouth of a lion. To it the
dragon gave its own power and throne, along with great authority.
I saw that one of its heads seemed to have been mortally wounded,
but this mortal wound was healed. Fascinated, the whole world
followed after the beast. They worshiped the dragon because it
gave its authority to the beast; they also worshiped the beast and
said, "Who can compare with the beast or who can fight
against it?" The beast was given a mouth uttering proud
boasts and blasphemies, and it was given authority to act for
forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against
God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling and those who dwell in
heaven. It was also allowed to wage war against the holy ones and
conquer them, and it was granted authority over every tribe,
people, tongue, and nation. All the inhabitants of the earth will
worship it, all whose names were not written from the foundation
of the world in the book of life, which belongs to the Lamb who
was slain. Whoever has ears ought to hear these words. Anyone
destined for captivity goes into captivity. Anyone destined to be
slain by the sword shall be slain by the sword. Such is
the faithful endurance of the holy ones. [RV 13:1-10]
Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth; it had two
horns like a lamb's but spoke like a dragon. It wielded all the
authority of the first beast in its sight and made the earth and
its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had
been healed. It performed great signs, even making fire come down
from heaven to earth in the sight of everyone. It deceived the
inhabitants of the earth with the signs it was allowed to perform
in the sight of the first beast, telling them to make an image for
the beast who had been wounded by the sword and revived. It was
then permitted to breathe life into the beast's image, so that the
beast's image could speak and (could) have anyone who did not
worship it put to death. It forced all the people, small and
great, rich and poor, free and slave, to be given a stamped image
on their right hands or their foreheads, so that no one could buy
or sell except one who had the stamped image of the beast's name
or the number that stood for its name. Wisdom is needed here; one
who understands can calculate the number of the beast, for it is a
number that stands for a person. His number is six hundred and
sixty-six. [RV 13:11-18]
"The ten horns that you saw represent ten kings who have
not yet been crowned; they will receive royal authority along with
the beast for one hour. They are of one mind and will give their
power and authority to the beast. They will fight with the Lamb,
but the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and king
of kings, and those with him are called, chosen, and
faithful." [Taken from RV 17:12-14]
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having
great authority, and the earth became illumined by his splendor. [Taken from RV
18:1]
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