Examples of Human Authority Figures in Christian Teaching
Human Authority Figures in Christian Teaching
Christian teaching recognizes various human authority figures who play crucial roles in the church and its mission. The New Testament identifies several such figures, including apostles, prophets, and teachers, whom God has "set in the church" [4, 6, 7].
Apostles, as specially commissioned emissaries of Christ, hold a significant position [6]. They were directly sent by Christ and received their commission and doctrine from Him, often accompanied by the power to perform miracles to validate their ministry [7]. The apostles' authority is rooted in their direct connection to Jesus Christ.
Prophets, on the other hand, speak a word from God, providing guidance and revelation to the community [6]. While their role involves receiving and communicating divine messages, it is distinct from that of teachers, who instruct others in the faith [6].
Teachers are essential in Christian communities, as they provide instruction and guidance based on the teachings of Christ and the apostles. The New Testament acknowledges that women did teach, although there are no clear examples or endorsements of women teaching men in church meetings [5].
Other human authority figures in Christian teaching include pastors and evangelists. The Bible commands respect and prayer for those in authority, including kings and all those in positions of leadership [2]. The early Christian church demonstrated hospitality towards various individuals, including strangers, the poor, and even enemies [3].
The concept of authority in Christian teaching is closely tied to the character of God and the example set by Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to exhibit boldness and confidence in their faith, following Christ's example [1]. The exercise of authority is also linked to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which empower individuals for various roles within the church [4, 6].
In the view of some Christian traditions, the authority of human leaders is derived from their role within the church and their connection to the teachings of Christ and the apostles [8]. Jesus' teaching authority, for instance, was direct and not based on quoting previous scholars or scriptures, although He did quote Scripture [8].
The recognition of human authority figures in Christian teaching highlights the importance of order and structure within the church. Different Christian traditions may understand the distribution and exercise of authority differently, but the New Testament provides a foundation for understanding the various roles and their significance in the life of the church.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Boldness, Holy — Christ set an example of -- Joh 7:26. Is through faith in Christ -- Eph 3:12; Heb 10:19. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 28:1. Produced by Trust in God. -- Isa 50:7. The fear of God. -- Ac 4:19; 5:29. Faithfulness to God. -- 1Ti 3:13. Express your trust in God with -- Heb 13:6. Have, in prayer -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16. Saints shall have, in judgment -- 1Jo 4:17. Exhortations to -- Jos 1:7; 2Ch 19:11; Jer 1:8; Eze 3:9. Pray for -- Ac 4:29; Eph 6:19,20. Ministers should exhibit, in Faithfulness to their people. -- 2Co 7:4; 10:1. Preaching. -- Ac 4:31; Ph”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hospitality — Commanded -- Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9. Required in ministers -- 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8. A test of Christian character -- 1Ti 5:10. Specially to be shown to Strangers. -- Heb 13:2. The poor. -- Isa 58:7; Lu 14:13. Enemies. -- 2Ki 6:22,23; Ro 12:20. Encouragement to -- Lu 14:14; Heb 13:2. Exemplified Melchizedek. -- Ge 14:18. Abraham. -- Ge 18:3-8. Lot. -- Ge 19:2,3. Laban. -- Ge 24:31. Jethro. -- Ex 2:20. Manoah. -- Jdj 13:15. Samuel. -- 1Sa 9:22. David. -- 2Sa 6:19. Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:32. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:8. Nehemiah. -- Ne 5:17. Job. -- Job 31:17,32. Zacchaeu”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:28: set . . . in the church--as He has "set the members . . . in the body" (Co1 12:18). first apostles--above even the prophets. Not merely the Twelve, but others are so called, for example, Barnabas, &c. (Rom 16:7). teachers--who taught, for the most part, truths already revealed; whereas the prophets made new revelations and spoke all their prophesyings under the Spirit's influence. As the teachers had the "word of knowledge," so the prophets "the word of wisdom" (Co1 12:8). Under "teachers" are included "evangelists and pastors." miracles-”
- 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 2:12: 2:12 teach men or have authority over them: The relationship between teaching and authority depends on how both are understood. Women did teach (Titus 2:3-5), but there are no clear New Testament examples or endorsements of women teaching men in church meetings (cp. Acts 18:26; 1 Cor 14:34-35; Phil 4:3). We know it was happening in some of the churches only by way of Paul’s opposing responses. Women did prophesy (Acts 2:17-18; 21:9; 1 Cor 11:5), but some types of prophecy might not have been seen as authoritative teaching (Acts 11:28; 21:10-11; 1 Cor 14:29). • ”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:28: 12:28-31 Paul lists some of the different individual roles given to people in the church (see also the list in 12:8-10; cp. Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11). 12:28 Apostles are specially commissioned emissaries of Christ in the world (see also Eph 4:11). • Prophets speak a word from God (see 12:10 and corresponding study note; Eph 4:11; cp. Acts 13:1-2). • Teachers instruct others in the faith (Rom 12:7; Eph 4:11; cp. Acts 13:1). • those who speak in unknown languages: See study note on 12:10.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:28: And God hath set some in the church,.... As before the apostle gives an account of the various different gifts of the Spirit, qualifying men for service in the church of Christ, here he enumerates the several offices and officers: first apostles; as were the twelve disciples, and Paul the apostle; men that were immediately sent by Christ himself, and had their commission and doctrine directly from him; and a power of working miracles, to confirm the truth of their mission and ministry; they were sent into all the world to preach the Gospel, to plant churches”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 7:28: 7:28-29 Jesus began teaching only his disciples (5:1), but crowds had followed up the mountainside as well. • Unlike the teachers of religious law, whose authority was derived from the Scriptures they quoted or from the teachings of previous scholars, Jesus taught with real—that is, direct—authority. He quoted Scripture in the Sermon, but his teaching was based on his own authority as the Messiah.”