by Mark Mayberry
Synopsis: When the chief priests and the elders asked Jesus, "By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?" (Matt. 21:23), they acted with ulterior motives. However, the question is, indeed, vital.
The authority of Jesus Christ is affirmed in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). The apostles, and by extension, God's people in every generation, should go forth preaching the gospel. Disciples are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Greek word exousia refers to "power to act, authority" (Thomas, 1849). Christ's authority over both the physical and spiritual realms was manifested by His miracles (Matt. 9:1-8). As the One who possesses supreme power, Jesus has the right to command us in every aspect of our lives.
The Bible repeatedly affirms that Jesus Christ is our Creator (John 1:1-4; 1 Cor. 8:5-6; Col. 1:15-18; Heb. 1:1-2). God has a plan and a purpose for His chosen people. Let us, therefore, humbly submit to His will and not demonstrate defiance against our Maker, as do wicked and rebellious men (Isa. 45:9-13; Ps. 2).
The New Testament depicts Christ as our Commander, especially in the closing chapters of the Apocalypse (Rev 19:11-16). If we are soldiers of Christ, then He is our Captain, whom we are obligated to obey (2 Tim. 2:3-4). Knowing that we are engaged in a great spiritual conflict (2 Cor. 10:1-6), let us put on the full armor of God, that we may stand against the power of darkness (Eph. 6:11-17). Like Paul and Timothy, we must fight the good fight—heeding Christ's call and obeying His commands (1 Tim. 1:18-20; 6:12-16; 2 Tim. 4:7-8).
Jesus' miracles of healing demonstrate that He is the Great Physician, the balm of Gilead (Matt. 11:2-6; cf. Jer. 8:18-22). Most importantly, He offers spiritual restoration to erring sinners: "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Matt. 9:10-13; Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:29-32). As we visit the doctor in times of illness, the Lord Jesus can heal us from all spiritual maladies. However, if we hope to get well, we must follow the Doctor's orders!
Realizing that we will be judged by the word of God (John 12:48-50), we must respect the authority of Sacred Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Col. 3:17). The Holy Spirit caused the inspired apostles and prophets to use three basic methods of authorizing religious actions: direct statements, approved examples, and necessary inferences. The Lord calls upon us to use our minds in understanding the will and word of God (Col. 1:9-12; Eph. 5:15-17).
How does one understand the Bible? Precisely, we do so as we comprehend any other written message: by gathering information, solemnly contemplating its meaning, and drawing appropriate conclusions. The reasoning may be valid and productive of good (2 Tim. 2:14-19, esp. vs. 15; Eph. 3:1-5) or faulty and productive of evil (Jer. 23:36; 2 Pet. 3:15-16). The outcome depends upon one's attitude (John 7:17).
It should go without saying that we are bound to obey any direct statement regarding our obligations to God. A direct statement might take the form of a positive commandment (Acts 2:38-40), a prohibition (Eph. 5:3-12), or a factual declaration (Gal. 5:19-23).
Greek verbs communicate authoritative statements in various forms. The indicative mood is descriptive of something that is, as opposed to something that might be. The subjunctive mood expresses a possibility, probability, exhortation, or an axiomatic concept. The imperative mood is used when making a command, or when the speaker/author is encouraging or asking someone to do something. All are employed to express direct commands. An exclamation point is not required for a statement to be authoritative.
The Scriptures also teach by example or illustration (1 Cor. 10:6, 11). Parents know the importance of setting the right example (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 31:28-29). Christ conducted Himself so that, when men saw His actions, they could know how they ought to live (Matt. 16:24; 1 Pet. 2:21). So likewise, the apostles acted under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and their example guided the early church (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 4:9).
The New Testament records various divinely approved examples that illustrate God's commands. These are no less important than direct statements. In this manner, the Holy Spirit shows those aspects of obedience, which are required but may not be expressed in the form of a command.
The encounter of Philip and the eunuch illustrates the New Testament teaching on baptism (Acts 8:38-39; Rom. 6:3-4). The example of the early church demonstrates the need for a plurality of elders in each local congregation (Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Phil. 1:1).
The expression, "necessary inference," may be a modern expression, but its equivalent is found in the works of Aristotle and other Greek writers. Necessary inference is simply a part of the reasoning process. When evidence is collected, and a conclusion is drawn, such is our inference. It is "necessary" to the extent that the evidence demands it.
Sometimes we are expected to conclude points of truth from something other than a direct command or divinely approved example. Necessary inference is that which must be true even though it is not explicitly stated. It is implied by what is said.
Jesus frequently taught through parables, or illustrative stories, calling upon men to infer the significant spiritual lesson and apply it to their lives: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" In like manner, the Apocalypse repeatedly says, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Although the seven churches of Asia have vanished into the mists of history, contemporary Christians must of necessity infer that Jesus' counsel is still applicable.
Our Lord condemned the Sadducees for not concluding that there is a resurrection from God's statement to Moses in Exodus 3: "I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (Matt. 22:23-33). Again, He used this method in reassuring John the Baptist that He was indeed the Christ (Matt. 11:2-6).
A notable Messianic prophecy affirms, "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (Ps. 110:4). This verse necessarily infers three irrefutable facts: (1) there would be a change in the priesthood; (2) a change in the priesthood also necessitated a change in the law as well; and (3) perfection could not be attained through the Levitical priesthood, thus, it was necessary that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7:11-17).
This concept also appears elsewhere (Eph. 4:9-10; etc.). Is a "necessary inference" binding upon the conscience? Yes! When the careful study of God's word impresses you with an inescapable conclusion, however conveyed, you must accept it or be untrue to yourself and God.
An inference is binding, not because man inferred it, but because God implied it. Just as "Remember the Sabbath day" (Exod. 20:8) implies every Sabbath (cf. Num. 15:32-37), so necessary inference is applicable to the observance of the Lord's supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
Jesus is our Creator, Commander, and Caregiver. Will you submit to the One who made you? Will you obey the One who commands you? Will you accept the prescription for spiritual healing from the One who would heal you?
Like the Centurion at Capernaum, will you manifest unwavering faith in the Supreme Authority of Jesus Christ—trusting His word and obeying His will (Matt. 8:5-13)? The confusion and division so characteristic of the religious world would not exist if men would only learn to respect the authority of Christ. Unity would be attainable if we would "speak as the oracles of God" (1 Pet. 4:11) and preach those "things which are fitting for sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1).
Author Bio: Mark and Sherelyn have labored with the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His Bible study website is markmayberry.net. His personal blog is markmayberry.org. He can be reached at mark@truthpublications.com.
