Bible Verses About Authority

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents."

"Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion."

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me."

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

"God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God."

"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness."

What does the Bible say about authority?

Authority in the Bible begins and ends with God—all authority belongs to Him, and He delegates it as He sees fit. Jesus was given 'all power in heaven and in earth,' and He in turn gave authority to His followers. Key King James Version passages include Matthew 28:18, Luke 10:19, Romans 13:1. This page collects 10 KJV verses about authority, each quoted in full.

What authority do believers have?

Jesus gave believers authority 'over all the power of the enemy' (Luke 10:19), authority to cast out demons and heal the sick (Matthew 10:1, Mark 16:17), and the power to become children of God (John 1:12). This authority is exercised through faith, prayer, and the name of Jesus—not through personal power.

What is the difference between power and authority?

In biblical terms, power (dunamis) is the ability to act, while authority (exousia) is the right to act. Jesus had both—the power to perform miracles and the authority given by the Father. Believers receive both: power through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) and authority through their position in Christ (Ephesians 1:20-21).