THE TEMPORARY VS THE PERMANANT
In the Bible, borrowed (or delegated/derived) authority is power or a right to rule that is temporarily loaned out by God to a human office or agent, whereas actual (or inherent/intrinsic) authority belongs inherently to God and Jesus Christ as their own essential nature, origin, and right.
Borrowed (Derived / Delegated) Authority
Source: It originates from God and is only loaned or assigned to human beings, earthly rulers, or institutions.
Key Bible Examples:
- Civil Rulers: Romans 13:1 states that "there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist have been ordained by God". Rulers like Pontius Pilate held power, yet Jesus reminded him, "You could have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above" (John 19:11). Pilate had the chair and the office, but God held the ultimate throne.
- Disciples and Church Leaders: When Jesus sent out disciples (such as in Luke 9:1 or Matthew 28:18), He delegated spiritual authority and permission to act in His name, which they carried out as representatives rather than independent owners.
- Limitations: Because it is borrowed, it is bounded, accountable, and can be revoked or judged by God. Human authorities do not possess intrinsic moral right apart from what God delegates and what aligns with His will.
Actual (Inherent / Direct) Authority
- Source: It originates from within the person or being itself—specifically God as Creator and Jesus Christ as the Incarnate Word who possesses "all power in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). [1, 2]
- Key Bible Examples:
- Jesus' Teaching: In Matthew 7:28–29 and Mark 1:22, the crowds noted that Jesus "taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law". Jesus did not quote higher-ranking rabbis or borrow credentials; He spoke as the Author of truth.
- The Written Word: Second Timothy 3:16 notes that Scripture is "God-breathed," meaning the Bible's authority is inherent to God Himself rather than borrowed from human councils, traditions, or religious scholars. [1, 2, 3]
- Distinction: In narratives like the Sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13–15), individuals tried to use the name and authority of Jesus as a borrowed phrase or formula without actually knowing or being aligned with Him, showing that true spiritual weight cannot be faked or merely "borrowed" like a script.
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