We originally intended to use only the word AUTHORITY, but reconsidered when we searched the meanings. Hopefully, the reader will understand our starting with the word AUTHOR used only in the New Testament.
G159 Strong’s concordance defines AUTHOR; aitios ī-‘tē-os
that in which the cause of anything resides, causative, causing
Hence, the author of a cause

God our Father is the cause (author) of creation, the author of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33), in Christ, the author of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9), and the author of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)

Old Testament H7235
Strong’s Concordance defines AUTHORITY; rabahrä·vä’; be or become great
The same word is used for more, much, multiply, and increase

Proverbs 29:2 speaks those who are in authority.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

New Testament G1849
Strong’s Concordance defines AUTHORITY; exousia eks-ü-sē’-ä;
from G1832 in the sense of ability; force; competency; mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control) delegated influence:—authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
It is the same word used for power. Use the above link to see all references for this word.

Jesus’ Authority

 ^“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18

“And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” John 5:27

In Matthew 8:9, the centurion’s recognition of Jesus’ authority was relative to his authority over his soldiers, in that he trusted Jesus to say the word and His servant would be healed.

The people recognized Jesus’ authority in the way He taught and in His authority casting out unclean spirits.

“And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.” Mark 1:22

“And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out”. Luke 4:36

When questioned by the chief priests and the elders about His authority to teach, heal, and command what He did, Jesus asked them a question which they would not answer for fear of disqualifying themselves (Matthew 21:23-27).

Men’s Authority
 Luke 9:1 records Jesus giving His twelve disciples power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
But when two of them desired to rule with Him, Jesus had to rebuke them, teaching that authority is given by Him but not in this life.

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28

Luke 19:17 speaks of the authority given to a good servant; thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Paul’s Authority
Paul speaks to Jesus on the road to Damascus of authority he received from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name (Acts 9:14).

“Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.” Acts 26:10; Acts 26:12

Paul’s authority from the chief priests changed to authority from the Lord.

2 Corinthians 10:8  speaks of Paul’s authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification of the church.

In 1 Timothy 2:2, Paul, recognizing that all is under God’s authority, speaks of praying for all men that are in civil authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Paul speaks to Timothy, instructing him in the area of teaching.

“But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” 1 Timothy 2;12

And to the young minister Titus:

“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15

John records in Revelation 13:2 the authority given to the beast.

Final Authority

“Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” 1 Corinthians 15:24

There is a promise for those who obey, serve Him, and overcome the opposition.

“The one who conquers (overcomes) and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority (power) over the nations.” Revelation 2:26 (ESV)

He is the first and final authority over all the world ~ giving peace, eternal salvation and faith to His people. With authority and power, He will usher in His new heavens and earth in His timing. He is the author ~ therefore, the authority ~ over all time, over all things and circumstances.

From the beginning of creation to the end of this world, God’s authority stands. He rules in power over all even though not all believe or accept His authority. The antithesis began in the Garden of Eden and will continue until Christ’s second coming when all those against His authority in Christ will be put under His feet ~ all to His glory.

Gracious Father, we praise you for Christ our Lord whom you made to be the author and finisher of our faith when you raised Him from the dead and seated Him at your right hand with authority and power over all things. Enable us to remember through your Spirit and your Word to whom we belong and who we serve. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran