TL

“Any type of “authority” would be bad- for either men or women to exercise over the other. All the discussion about the meaning of “authentein” may be interesting but not critical to their position.”

Craig, #51

There are different kinds of authority. The worldly authorities of privilege and control are the ones that I believe Scripture speaks against.

Matt. 20 “25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Lording over and exercising authority OVER is what we should not do with one another. Rather we are called to minister to one another the spirit and truths from God. We are to provoke one another to good works, bring healing, support, honor, encouragement, correction and so forth.

There is an authority in speaking and acting within the unction and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. It is a power that is greater than any worldly privileged positions of control over others. It is only achieved in holiness and the love of God.

Our problems come when churches are organized according to worldly requirements. There is a strong mix in most all churches of worldly authorities and spiritual authority. It would be difficult to correct and perfect.