摘要：The premise of this work is the distinction between the concepts of “power” and “authority.” The author attempts to indicate the often unjustifiably synonymous use of these concepts, whether in Bible translation or in colloquial speech and the way in which they are wrongly used as alternatives. The concept of power belongs to institutions and organisations, while the concept of authority has its origin in commission, calling and (supernatural) equipping. In the second part of this article the author considers some historical and theological connections between “power” and “authority” in relation to church power and scriptural authority, while aware that these concepts, though not synonymous, need not be mutually exclusive. Some of the many dangers, temptations and attractions of “power”, with which the historical Church has been constantly confronted, are pointed out. In the third part, the author focuses on particular biblical texts, to show where and how the concept of the authority of the Holy Scripture is found and upon what it is based. In this part, he refers in brief to textual history and the authority of Scriptures as seen both from the perspective of a systematic theologian and from biblical theology and literary contexts. In conclusion, the author points to three possible “safety valves” by which the danger of being tempted by power might be shown and avoided, thus fulfilling the calling and commission of the Church to be salt and light and a community of hope.
