Commission and Authority of Jesus Christ in Scripture
Commission and Authority of Jesus Christ in Scripture
The commission and authority of Jesus Christ are rooted in his identity as the Son of God and the Messiah. As the anointed one, Jesus is consecrated to his redemptive work as Prophet, Priest, and King of his people [2]. The biblical account emphasizes Jesus' divine authority, highlighting his power over all things.
Jesus' authority is first demonstrated in his teaching, where he speaks with a unique authority that is distinct from the scribes [8]. This authority is further exhibited in his miracles, which serve as evidence of his divine commission [5]. The Gospel accounts portray Jesus as having power over demons, disease, and even death, demonstrating his supremacy over all creation.
The extent of Jesus' authority is explicitly stated in Matthew 28:18, where he declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" [7]. This statement underscores his universal dominion, emphasizing that his authority is not limited to a specific realm or people. The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Ephesians 1:21, noting that Jesus is "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion" [9].
The biblical account also highlights Jesus' authority in relation to his role as King. As the Messiah, Jesus is the sovereign Head over his Church and over all things to his Church [4]. His kingship is not limited to a spiritual realm but extends to all aspects of creation. The book of Hebrews emphasizes Jesus' exalted position, stating that he is "set at the right hand of the throne of God" [6].
The authority of Jesus is also linked to his obedience and humility. In Philippians 2:9, it is written that God "exalted him to the highest place" as a result of his humble obedience [10, 11]. This exaltation is not limited to his resurrection but includes his ascension, where he is seated at the right hand of God, demonstrating his supreme authority and power.
The New Testament writers consistently portray Jesus as having authority over all things. In Colossians 1:16-17, it is written that "all things were created through him and for him... and in him all things hold together" [1]. This cosmic Christology underscores Jesus' role as the sustainer and ruler of all creation.
The commission of Jesus is closely tied to his authority. As the one who has been given all authority, Jesus commissions his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations [7]. This commission is not limited to the apostles but extends to all followers of Jesus, who are called to participate in his mission.
The biblical account of Jesus' authority and commission is not limited to his earthly ministry. His authority extends beyond his earthly life, and his commission continues through the work of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit is closely tied to Jesus' authority, as it is through the Spirit that Jesus' work is continued in the world [3].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Power of Christ, The — As the Son of God, is the power of God -- Joh 5:17-19; 10:28-30. As man, is from the Father -- Ac 10:38. Described as Supreme. -- Eph 1:20,21; 1Pe 3:22. Unlimited. -- Mt 28:18. Over all flesh. -- Joh 17:2. Over all things. -- Joh 3:35; Eph 1:22. Glorious. -- 2Th 1:9. Everlasting. -- 1Ti 6:16. Is able to subdue all things -- Php 3:21. Exhibited in Creation. -- Joh 1:3,10; Col 1:16. Upholding all things. -- Col 1:17; Heb 1:3. Salvation. -- Isa 63:1; Heb 7:25. His teaching. -- Mt 7:28,29; Lu 4:32. Working miracles. -- Mt 8:27; Lu 5:17. Enabling ot”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Christ — Anointed, the Greek translation of the Hebrew word rendered "Messiah" (q.v.), the official title of our Lord, occurring five hundred and fourteen times in the New Testament. It denotes that he was anointed or consecrated to his great redemptive work as Prophet, Priest, and King of his people. He is Jesus the Christ (Acts 17:3; 18:5; Matt. 22:42), the Anointed One. He is thus spoken of by Isaiah (61:1), and by Daniel (9:24-26), who styles him "Messiah the Prince." The Messiah is the same person as "the seed of the woman" (Gen. 3:15), "the seed of Abraham" (Ge”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Power of the Holy Spirit, The — Is the power of God -- Mt 12:28; Lu 11:20. Christ commenced his ministry in -- Lu 4:14. Christ wrought his miracles by -- Mt 12:28. Exhibited in Creation. -- Ge 1:2; Job 26:13; Ps 104:30. The conception of Christ. -- Lu 1:35. Raising Christ from the dead. -- 1Pe 3:18. Giving spiritual life. -- Eze 37:11-14; Ro 8:11. Working miracles. -- Ro 15:19. Making the gospel efficacious. -- 1Co 2:4; 1Th 1:5. Overcoming all difficulties. -- Zec 4:6,7. Promised by the Father. -- Lu 24:49. Promised by Christ. -- Ac 1:8. Saints Upheld by. -- Ps 51:12”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Kingly office of Christ — One of the three special relations in which Christ stands to his people. Christ's office as mediator comprehends three different functions, viz., those of a prophet, priest, and king. These are not three distinct offices, but three functions of the one office of mediator. Christ is King and sovereign Head over his Church and over all things to his Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; Col. 1:18; 2:19). He executes this mediatorial kingship in his Church, and over his Church, and over all things in behalf of his Church. This royalty differs from that whic”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Miracles — Power of God necessary to -- Joh 3:2. Described as Marvellous things. -- Ps 78:12. Marvellous works. -- Isa 29:14; Ps 105:5. Signs and wonders. -- Jer 32:21; Joh 4:48; 2Co 12:12. Manifest The glory of God. -- Joh 11:4. The glory of Christ. -- Joh 2:11; 11:4. The works of God. -- Joh 9:3. Were evidences of a divine commission -- Ex 4:1-5; Mr 16:20. The Messiah was expected to perform -- Mt 11:2,3; Joh 7:31. Jesus was proved to be the Messiah by -- Mt 11:4-6; Lu 7:20-22; Joh 5:36; Ac 2:22. Jesus was followed on account of -- Mt 4:23-25; 14:35,36; Joh 6:2,26;”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 12:2 (Geneva1599) — Looking vnto Iesus the authour and finisher of our faith, who for the ioy that was set before him, endured the crosse, and despised the shame, and is set at the right hand of the throne of God.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 28:18: 28:18 Jesus’ authority is power delegated from the Father (see 7:29; 9:6-8; 21:23-27; 26:64; John 3:35).”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 11:28: 11:28 Jesus’ authority includes his divine authority to cast out demons (1:22, 27; 5:1-13), heal (1:29–2:12; 5:21-43), forgive sins (2:10), and now cleanse the Temple. Jesus’ authority clearly was from God, but the religious leaders were unwilling to accept it.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 1:21: 1:21 he is far above: Jesus’ power and authority transcend all rival powers, whether human or spiritual, in this age and the coming age (see 3:10; 6:12; John 12:31; Rom 8:38-39; 1 Cor 15:24; Col 1:13; 2:10, 15; 1 Pet 3:22; Rev 12:7-9).”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 2:9: 2:9 As a result of Christ’s humble obedience, God elevated him to the place of highest honor; see Acts 1:9-10; cp. Acts 2:32-33; 7:55-56. • the name above all other names: Jesus has supreme authority and power (Phil 2:10-11; cp. Matt 28:18; John 17:5; Acts 2:33-36; Heb 2:9; 12:2).”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 2:9: 2:9 As a result of Christ’s humble obedience, God elevated him to the place of highest honor; see Acts 1:9-10; cp. Acts 2:32-33; 7:55-56. • the name above all other names: Jesus has supreme authority and power (Phil 2:10-11; cp. Matt 28:18; John 17:5; Acts 2:33-36; Heb 2:9; 12:2).”