Power

VIEW:17 DATA:01-04-2020
POWER.—In general the word means ability for doing something, and includes the idea of adequate strength, might, skill, resources, energy, and efficiency, either material, mental, or spiritual, to effect intended results. Strictly speaking, there is no real power or authority in the universe but that which is ultimately of God (Psa_62:11, Joh_19:11, Rom_13:1). But this Almighty One has originated innumerable subordinate powers, and some of these are possessed of ability to perform acts contrary to the will and commandments of the Creator. And so we may speak of the power of God, or of man, or of angel, or of demon, or of powers inherent in things inanimate. Inasmuch as in the highest and absolute sense ‘power belongeth unto God,’ It is fitting to ascribe unto Him such doxologies as appear in 1Ch_29:11, Mat_6:13. In Mat_26:64 the word ‘power’ is employed for God Himself, and it is accordingly very natural that it should be often used to denote the various forms of God’s activity, especially in His works of creation and redemption. Christ is thus the power of God both in His Person and in His gospel of salvation (1Co_1:18; 1Co_1:24, Rom_1:16). The power of the Holy Spirit is also another mode of the Divine activity. By similar usage Simon the sorcerer was called ‘the power of God which is called Great’ (Act_8:10), i.e. a supposed incarnation of the power of God. The plural powers is used in a variety of meanings. (1) In Mat_7:22, Luk_10:13, Act_2:22; Act_8:13, ‘powers,’ or ‘mighty works,’ along with ‘signs and wonders,’ are to be understood as miracles, and were concrete manifestations of supernatural power. (2) ‘The powers of the heavens’ (Mat_24:29, Mar_13:25) are understood by some as the forces inherent in the sun, moon, stars, and other phenomena of the heavens, by virtue of which they ‘rule over the day and over the night’ (Gen_1:18); by others these heavenly powers are understood to be the starry hosts themselves conceived as the armies of the heavens. (3) Both good and evil angels are designated by the terms ‘principalities and powers’ in such passages as Eph_1:21; Eph_3:10; Eph_6:12, Col_1:16; Col_2:10; Col_2:15, 1Pe_3:22. The context of each passage must show whether the reference is to angels or demons. in Eph_2:2 Samatan is called ‘the prince of the power of the air,’ and these powers are further defined in Eph_6:12 as ‘world-rulers of this darkness, the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.’ These are thought of as so many ranks of evil spirits who are ever at war with God’s hosts, and seek to usurp the heavenly regions. (4) in Rom_13:1 civil magistrates are called ‘the higher powers’ because of their superior rank, authority, and influence as officers ordained of God for the administration of justice among men (cf. Luk_12:11, Tit_3:1). (5) ‘The powers of the age to come’ (Heb_6:5) are best understood of all supernatural gifts and spiritual forces which belong to the age or dispensation of the New Covenant, of which Jesus is the Mediator (cf. Heb_9:15). They include the ‘greater works’ (Joh_14:12) which Jesus assured His disciples they should do after His going unto the Father and sending them the Spirit of truth. See Authority, Kingdom of God.
M. S. Terry.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909


Some English versions of the Bible use the word ‘power’ to translate different Greek words. In some cases the meaning has to do with great strength or the ability to exercise that strength (1Co_1:18; Eph_1:19; Rev_5:13). In other cases it has to do with authority, or the right to exercise authority (Mat_21:23; Mat_28:18; Joh_1:12; Rom_13:1). The present article is concerned with the first of these meanings. For the second meaning see AUTHORITY.
Evidences of God’s power
The Old Testament repeatedly speaks of God’s immeasurable power. This power was demonstrated through his creation of the universe (Psa_33:6-9; Isa_40:21-23; Jer_10:12-13), his activity in nature (Psa_29:3-10; Psa_66:5-7), his control of history (Exo_9:16; Psa_33:10; Isa_40:15-17) and his saving acts on behalf of his people (Exo_15:4-12; Exo_32:11; Psa_106:8; Psa_111:6; Isa_40:10-11).
These evidences of God’s power are referred to also in the New Testament (Luk_1:49; Rom_1:16; Rom_1:20; Rom_15:19; Heb_1:10-12; Rev_7:12; Rev_15:8). The life and ministry of Jesus Christ provide particularly clear evidence of God’s power (Luk_4:14; Luk_4:36; Luk_5:17; Luk_9:1; see MIRACLES; KINGDOM OF GOD). The supreme demonstration of God’s power is the resurrection of Jesus (Rom_1:4; Eph_1:19-20).
Saving power at work
God’s promise to believers is that the same power as raised Jesus from death is available to them. Just as Jesus conquered sin and death, so can those who trust in him. They have victory over sin now and are assured of victory over death at Jesus’ return (Rom_6:5-11; Rom_8:9-11; Php_3:9-11; 1Co_6:14; 1Co_15:42-44; 1Co_15:54-56).
The entire salvation God has made available operates by his power. This salvation includes saving sinners from eternal condemnation and giving them victory over sin in their lives as believers (Rom_1:16; Rom_6:14; 1Co_1:18; 1Co_1:24; 1Co_2:5; Eph_1:18-20; Eph_3:20; 1Pe_1:3-5). This power becomes theirs through the Spirit of God within them (Act_1:8; Rom_15:13; Eph_3:16; cf. Mic_3:8; Zec_4:6; see HOLY SPIRIT).
Although they have this power of God within them, believers are not to seek exhibitions of it that will draw attention to themselves (2Co_12:9; 2Co_13:4). They should be humble and dependent on God, so that he alone may be the one in whom people trust and to whom they give praise (Act_3:12-16; 1Co_2:4-5; 2Co_4:7; Php_4:13; 1Th_1:5; 2Pe_1:3).
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary by Don Fleming
PRINTER 1990.


pou?ẽr: This word, indicative of might, strength, force, is used in the Old Testament to render very many Hebrew terms, the translation in numerous instances being varied in the Revised Version (British and American) to words like ?valor,? ?rule,? ?strength,? ?might,? ?dominion.? The principal words for ?power? in the New Testament are δύαμις, dúnamis, and ἐξουσία, exousı́a. In the latter case the Revised Version (British and American) frequently changes to ?authority? (Mar_3:15; Mar_6:7; Eph_1:21, etc.) or ?right? (Rom_9:21; 1Co_9:6; 2Th_3:9, etc.). Power is attributed preeminently to God (1Ch_29:11; Job_26:14; Psa_66:7; Psa_145:11; Rev_7:12, etc.). On this attribute of power of God, see OMNIPOTENCE. The supreme manifestation of the power, as of the wisdom and love of God, is in redemption (1Co_1:18, 1Co_1:24). The preaching of the gospel is accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit (1Co_2:4; 1Th_1:5, etc.). Miracles, as ?mighty works,? are denoted by the term ?powers? (so Mat_11:21, Mat_11:23 the Revised Version margin, etc.). The end of all time's developments is that God takes to Him His great power and reigns (Rev_11:17).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.


Power
or the ability of performing, is in an essential degree an attribute of Deity: God is emphatically styled All-powerful. Power signifies sometimes a right privilege, or dignity (Joh_1:12); sometimes absolute authority (Mat_28:18); sometimes the exertion or act of power, as of the Holy Spirit (Eph_1:19), of angels, or of human governments, magistrates, etc. (Rom_13:1), and perhaps it generally includes the idea of dignity and superiority. So, the body “is sown in weakness, it is raised in power” (1Co_15:43). The “prince of the power of the air” (Eph_2:2) is a figurative representation of Satan (q.v.). SEE AIR.
 


CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.





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