Rev. 20:4-6; 22:12-17, Exousia: Authority (3)

Lastly, here is “exousia” in the General Epistles and the Revelation.

·       Heb. 13:10: Jews have no right to eat of the altar of Christ (the cross)

·       Jude 25: to God our Savior be all dominion (kratos, might) and power

·       Rev.2:26: overcomer has authority over nations when Christ comes

·       Rev.6:8: authority over quarter of earth to kill given to death, Hades

·       Rev.9:3: power given to locusts, scorpions (9:10,19)

·       Rev.11:6ab: authority given to witnesses to bring plagues; they have power to stop rain, turn water to blood

·       Rev.12:10: authority of Christ comes when accuser is brought down

·       Rev.13:2: dragon gave p, a. to beast (13:4)

·       Rev. 13:5: authority for 42 months

·       Rev.13:7: beast given authority over every tribe & nation

·       Rev.13:12: another beast had power of first beast

·       Rev.14:18: angel w/ authority over fire

·       Rev.16:9: God has power over plagues

·       Rev. 17:12,12: 10 kings receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. Then they give their power and authority to the beast.

·       Rev.18:1: an angel w/great power

·       Rev.20:6: second death has no power over those resurrected

·       Rev. 22:14: those who do God’s commandments have a right to tree of life

In Revelations, both the evil (6:8; 9:10,19; 13:7,12,18) and the righteous (2:26; 11:6; 12:10; 14:18; 18:1) have authority from God.  They do what they want to do, what they are intent on doing, but are forbidden until God allows them.  Ultimately they all serve God!

What a great final use of the term: the right to eat of the tree of life, a right enjoyed by Adam and Eve but then denied to Mankind after the rebellion in Eden.  And then, what about the conclusion, when Christ turns all authority to the Father, and the Father brings an end to authority (1 Cor. 15:24).