Jesus Gives Authority to Disciples
The concept of Jesus granting authority to his disciples is a central theme in the New Testament, shaping the mission and identity of the early church and informing Christian understanding of ministry and spiritual power. This article examines the biblical foundations for Jesus’ delegation of authority, the nature and scope of that authority, its Old Testament background, and its implications for the church.
Old Testament Foundations for Delegated Authority
The idea of delegated authority is not unique to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God frequently empowers individuals to act on his behalf. Moses is commissioned to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel out of Egypt, with God declaring, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet” (Exodus 7:1). The judges, prophets, and kings of Israel are similarly vested with divine authority to lead, judge, and speak for God (see, Judges 2:16-18; 1 Samuel 16:13; Jeremiah 1:9-10).
This pattern anticipates the messianic age, when God’s anointed would not only act with divine authority but would also share that authority with his followers. Isaiah prophesies of a servant who will “bring forth justice to the nations” (Isaiah 42:1) and of a time when God’s Spirit will be poured out on all flesh (Joel 2:28-29), suggesting a democratization of spiritual authority in the new covenant.
Jesus’ Authority as the Foundation
The New Testament presents Jesus as the one possessing ultimate authority. In the Gospels, his authority is evident in his teaching (Matthew 7:29), his power over demons and disease (Mark 1:27, 34), his command over nature (Mark 4:39-41), and his authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-12). This authority is not self-derived but is rooted in his unique relationship with the Father: “All things have been handed over to me by my Father” (Matthew 11:27).
After his resurrection, Jesus makes a climactic declaration: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). This comprehensive authority forms the basis for the Great Commission and the subsequent delegation of authority to his disciples.
Jesus Grants Authority to the Twelve Apostles
The most explicit accounts of Jesus granting authority are found in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). In Matthew 10:1, it is written: “And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.” Mark 3:14-15 echoes this: “And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.” Luke 9:1-2 adds, “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.”
This authority is both spiritual and practical. The apostles are empowered to perform signs that authenticate their message and demonstrate the inbreaking of God’s kingdom. Their authority is unique in scope and significance, as they serve as foundational witnesses to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (Ephesians 2:20; Acts 1:21-22).
Authority Extended to the Seventy-Two and the Church
Jesus’ delegation of authority is not limited to the twelve. In Luke 10:1, Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them out “two by two… into every town and place where he himself was about to go.” In Luke 10:9, he instructs them to “heal the sick…and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” When they return, they report, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17). Jesus responds, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you” (Luke 10:19).
This passage demonstrates that Jesus’ authority is not restricted to a select few but is shared with a broader group of disciples. The authority to heal, exorcise, and proclaim the kingdom is a sign of the new age inaugurated by Jesus.
The Great Commission: Universal Authority for Mission
The most comprehensive statement of delegated authority is found in the Great Commission. After declaring that all authority has been given to him, Jesus commands his apostles, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Here, Jesus extends his authority to the church’s mission in the world. The authority to make disciples, baptize, and teach is grounded in Jesus’ own sovereign rule. The promise of his presence (“I am with you always”) assures the disciples that their authority is derivative and dependent on their ongoing relationship with him.
Authority to Forgive Sins
One of the most profound aspects of Jesus’ authority is the power to forgive sins. In Mark 2:5-12, Jesus heals a paralytic and declares, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” When challenged, he responds, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” and then heals the man, demonstrating his divine prerogative.
Remarkably, Jesus extends this authority to his disciples after the resurrection. In John 20:21-23, he says, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
This passage has been the subject of much theological reflection. The consensus among traditional Christian interpreters is that Jesus is not granting an independent or magical power to forgive, but rather authorizing the church, through the proclamation of the gospel and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to announce and mediate God’s forgiveness. The authority to forgive is exercised in the context of the church’s mission, as people respond in repentance and faith to the message of Christ.
Ongoing Authority of Believers
The New Testament teaches that all believers, as members of Christ’s body, share in his authority. Jesus promises, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).
The authority Jesus gives is real but always derivative. It is exercised “in his name,” signifying dependence on his person and work. In Acts 3:6, Peter heals a lame man, saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” The apostles are careful to attribute all power to Jesus, not to themselves (Acts 3:12-16).
Moreover, the exercise of authority is always for the purpose of building up the church and advancing the kingdom, never for personal gain or self-exaltation. Jesus warns against the misuse of authority, teaching that “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43).
Conclusion - Jesus Gives Authority to His Disciples
The biblical witness is clear: Jesus, possessing all authority, graciously delegates authority to his disciples for the purpose of proclaiming the kingdom, healing the sick, casting out demons, and announcing forgiveness of sins. This authority is rooted in the Old Testament pattern of divine delegation, fulfilled and expanded in Christ, and extended to the church through the Holy Spirit. While the twelve apostles received unique authority as foundational witnesses, all believers are called to exercise Christ’s authority in humble service, empowered by his presence and guided by his word. As Paul writes, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20), a power exercised in dependence on the risen Lord and for the glory of God alone.