Luke 20:2 – Authority

Luk 20:1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
Luk 20:2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

Luk 20:8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Jesus will shortly reveal this to his disciples:

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

It’s useful to note that the same Greek word is used in both verses.

G1849 ἐξουσία exousia

Thayer Definition:

1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases

1a) leave or permission

2) physical and mental power

2a) the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises

3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege)

4) the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed)

4a) universally

4a1) authority over mankind

Part of Speech: noun feminine

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G1832 (in the sense of ability)