Power (4)

March 2

Power (4)

exousia

Still another word in the Greek NT translated as the word power is exousia (G1849), which is also often translated "authority." In Classical Greek, exousia denoted unrestricted freedom of action, power, authority, and right of action. These meanings are evident throughout Scripture as well.

God’s authority and right to act are evident in His absolute sovereignty. Most graphic is the picture of God in Rom_9:21: "Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?" Act_1:7 likewise declares that God has authority and control over the times and the seasons (see August 27).

The authority of Christ is equally vivid. In Mat_9:2-8, as Jesus heals and forgives sins, He states that only God has the "power" (authority) to do so. Here, in fact, is a clear claim to deity. Jesus also taught with "authority," unlike the scribes, who could teach only by tradition and human reason (Mar_1:22). It was that same "authority" that gave Him the right to cleanse the temple from those who defiled it with their merchandizing (Mat_21:12-13, Mat_21:23).

Amazingly, and by God’s wondrous grace (see February 13), the Christian has been granted exousia. Most notable is Joh_1:12, which declares that because of our faith in Christ we have the "power" (right) to be called "the sons of God." The Christian also has "liberty" in Christ to do as he wishes as long as it doesn’t violate scriptural command or become a "stumblingblock to them that are weak" (1Co_8:9; 1Co_8:4-6, 1Co_8:12, 1Co_8:18). Martin Luther put it well: "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all."

Scriptures for Study: In Col_1:13, from what "power" have we been delivered? In Rev_22:14, to what does the true believer have a right?

 
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