– Coming from the Latin auctoritas , it has the meaning of growing, instigating, consummating, fulfilling, setting an example. This coincides with the new meaning that Jesus wanted to give to the authority that comes from God:
Jn 13,13-17 : A servant is not greater than his Lord, nor is one sent greater than the one who sent him.
– It comes from God as Jesus spoke to Pilate. The same is written in the AT and NT:
Jn 19:11 : You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above.
Pr 8,15-16 : By me kings reign and lawgivers decree justice; by me do the magistrates govern.
Wis 6:3: For power is from the Lord, and power is from the Most High.
Eclo 10,4 : The dominion over a country is in the hand of God. He will raise up for him a useful governor in due time.
Is 11,1-2 : A shoot will come out of the stump of Jesse, and a sprout will sprout from his roots.
Jer 23 :5 : He will be king and will rule wisely and will exercise justice and equity in the land.
Rom 13:1-2 : Thus, whoever resists authority opposes the order established by God.
– Man received dominion over animals from God:
Gen 1:28 : Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air and over all animals.
– Parents must be honored by their children, according to AT and NT:
Exodus 20:12 : Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Leviticus 19 :3: Each of you respect your mother and father and keep my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.
Eclo 3,2 : Hear, my children, the advice of your father, follow them in such a way that you will be saved.
Eph 6,1-3 : Children, obey your parents according to the Lord; because this is fair.
Col 3:20 : Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
– Like every gift of God, authority must be a service to the community:
Ex 18,20 : You will teach them your orders and your laws, and you will show them the way to go and how they will have to behave.
Num 27,15-17 : Choose a man who will lead the assembly, who will march in front of you and guide your steps.
Deut 1:17 : Listen to the small as well as to the great, without fear of anyone, for the judgment is from God.
Deut 19,18-19 : If […] it is a false witness, […] you will treat him as you intended to treat his brother.
1Kings 3 :9 : Therefore give your servant a wise heart, capable of judging […] and discerning between good and evil.
2Chr 19,7-8 : Watch your conduct, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God.
Pr 29,4.14 : A king who judges the humble with equity will have his throne established forever.
Pr 31,4-5 : It is not fitting for kings to drink wine, nor for princes […] liquors, lest, by drinking, they forget the Law.
Wis 1,1 : Love justice, you who rule the earth, have perfect feelings towards the Lord.
– The legitimately constituted authority must be obeyed:
Rom 13 :2 : Thus, whoever resists authority opposes the order established by God.
1Tm 2,1-2 : Make prayers […] for all men, […] and for all those who are constituted in authority.
Titus 3:1 : Admonish them to be subject to magistrates and authorities, to be obedient.
1Pt 2,13-14 : For the Lord’s sake, be submissive to every human authority.
