Authority in the church

Supreme authority belongs to Jesus Christ as head of the church

Ephesians 5:23 NKJV

For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.

See also Eph 1:22; Eph 4:15; Eph 5:24; Col 1:18

Spiritual authority under Jesus Christ in the church is possessed by elders

As shepherds who teach and care for the flock

Acts 20:28 NKJV

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

See also Jn 21:15–17; Eph 4:11–13; 1 Ti 3:2; 1 Ti 5:17; Tt 2:1–10; 1 Pe 5:2

As overseers ruling the church

Acts 20:28 NKJV

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

See also Ro 12:8; 1 Th 5:12 Those serving as overseers must rule their own homes well; 1 Ti 5:17

The response of the church to the authority of elders

Elders are to be obeyed

Hebrews 13:17 NKJV

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Elders are to be honoured and respected

1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 NKJV

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

See also 1 Ti 5:17

Paul limits the authority of women in the church

1 Ti 2:12 Some believe Paul’s restriction to apply to the women in the Ephesian church who were seizing authority rather than having been granted it. Others believe Paul is prohibiting women from being official teachers in the assembled church.

See also 1 Co 11:5–6; 1 Co 11:10; 1 Co 14:33–37

The reason for this prohibition derives from God’s order of creation

1 Timothy 2:13–14 NKJV

For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.

See also 1 Co 11:3; 1 Co 11:7–10

Kinds of authority within the church

Authority to preach the gospel

Mt 28:18–19; Mk 16:15

Authority to excommunicate

Mt 18:15–18; 1 Co 5:1–5 “hand this man over to Satan” here means “send back into the world ruled by Satan”; 1 Co 5:9–13

Authority to forgive sins

Mt 18:18; Jn 20:23