NN

To Cheryl #58,
For the last time, I never said that the word exousian was used in the Acts 25 passage, I was simply trying to use an example which would be familiar. The word for appeal is epikalaeo, the word for authority is exousiadzoe. They are etymologically unrelated. However, the conceptual link, is that for Paul to be able to make a legitimate legal appeal, he had to have the authority to do so.
No this passage does not imply hierarchy, but nor does it deny it (the mistake made in your original post).

On the topic of where I stand, I prefer to be heard for what I say and not what people will presume that I believe.

“One of the most vexing things in the universe is a poor argument for a true idea.”