The Church: Its Organization, Order and Discipline

10 AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH

THESE things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.” Titus 2:15. This authority did not grow out of the fact that Titus was minister, and therefore had an individual right and power to dictate how everything should be done; but the authority was like that possessed by Christ, who is our example, and of whose teachings we read: “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine; for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:28, 29. COOD 49.1

Luke’s record of Christ’s teaching is that “all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words [words setting forth God’s love and unmerited favor to men; not words of dictatorial authority] which proceed out of his mouth.” Luke 4:22. His words were indeed those of authority; for he himself said of them: “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” John 14:10. As he thus gave instruction and reproofs on the strength of God’s Word, energized by the Holy Spirit, the soldiers even who were sent to arrest him reported that “Never man spake like this man.” John 7:46. COOD 49.2