Power
Summary
Power in Scripture denotes both the inherent might and ability of God and the delegated authority given to Christ, the Holy Spirit, believers, and earthly rulers, with distinct Greek terms distinguishing between capacity (dunamis) and authorized right (exousia).
☩Biblical Terminology
The principal words translated 'power' in the New Testament are dunamis and exousia, which carry fundamentally different meanings. Dunamis signifies capacity, moral or physical ability, inherent strength—the power to perform. Exousia indicates delegated authority, right, privilege, or title—the liberty of action and sanctioned exercise of power. This distinction is critical: dunamis appears where Scripture speaks of mighty works and miracles, while exousia occurs in contexts of jurisdiction and authorized command. Additional Greek terms include kratos (dominion, ruling power), and ischus (force, strength). The Old Testament uses numerous Hebrew terms that the Revised Version variously renders as valor, rule, strength, might, or dominion.
☩The Power of God
Power is attributed preeminently to God, who is emphatically styled All-powerful. Scripture describes His power through vivid imagery: the voice of God, the finger of God, the hand of God, the arm of God, and the thunder of His power. Divine power is characterized as great, strong, glorious, mighty, everlasting, sovereign, effectual, irresistible, incomparable, unsearchable, and incomprehensible. All things are possible to God, and nothing is too difficult for Him. He is the source of all strength, and His power is manifested in creation, in establishing and governing all things, in delivering His people, and in the destruction of the wicked. The supreme manifestation of the power, wisdom, and love of God is in redemption, and the preaching of the gospel is accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit.
☩The Power of Christ
During His earthly ministry, Christ's transcendent personality impressed disciples, Pharisees, and the masses alike. His power was evident in works of healing on mind and body, and in teaching with original authority rather than scribal tradition. He dealt with venerated religious precepts and traditions with the ease and freedom of original authority, noting limitations and supplying higher applications. Christ declared that all authority in heaven and earth was given to Him, demonstrating power over all flesh and all things. His power was exemplified in creation, upholding all things, salvation, forgiving sins, giving spiritual and eternal life, raising the dead, rising from the dead Himself, overcoming the world, and defeating Satan. This power was not of this world—His Kingdom operates by a descending scale of service where the greatest becomes the servant of all.
☩The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit's power is manifested in creation, the conception of Christ, raising Christ from the dead, giving spiritual life, performing miracles, making the gospel effective, and overcoming all difficulties. Christ commenced His ministry in the power of the Spirit and worked His miracles by that same power. The Spirit was promised by both the Father and Christ, and believers are upheld, strengthened, enabled to speak truth boldly, helped in prayer, and made to abound in hope by His power. Ministers are qualified for service through this power, and God's Word serves as the instrument of the Spirit's working. The power that accompanies gospel preaching distinguishes it from mere human persuasion.
☩Power in the Kingdom of Christ
Christ's Kingdom is not of this world—those worldly kingdoms were of the sword, established by and for physical dominion. His Kingdom descended from above, having its origin in the eternal thought of God, and its administration differs from the law of a carnal commandment, being the power of an endless life. In this Kingdom, worldly patterns are inverted: whereas in earthly kingdoms there was an ascending scale of power with man living unto himself, Christ's Kingdom operates by a descending scale of service. He who would be greatest must become servant of all. Women excel in faith and discernment; little children's loving trust gives direction to the wise. The crucifixion of self for others is the recognition mark of its citizens, for He who sits on the throne emptied Himself.
☩Delegated Power and Authority
Scripture distinguishes between inherent divine power and delegated authority. Satan offered Christ authority over the kingdoms of the world which had been delivered to him, but Christ rejected this counterfeit dominion. To those who receive Christ, He gives the right or title to become children of God—this is exousia, delegated privilege. There is no authority (exousia) but of God, establishing the legitimacy of earthly rulers while subordinating all power to divine sovereignty. Along with principalities, powers are mentioned among the spiritual beings in the heavenly places, indicating ranks of angelic authority. The power of God is also exerted on behalf of saints—they are strengthened, upheld, supported in affliction, delivered, exalted, and kept by divine power unto salvation.
Related Verses175 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Power," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Power Powers," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Power," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Power," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 5.James Hastings (ed.), "Power," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).