exousia

Semantic range

1. 1the right or licence to act
2. 2delegated authority; jurisdiction
3. 3the sphere in which authority is exercised

Exousia is the right to act; dynamis is the raw power to act. The distinction is the whole burden of the priesthood question. The crowds marvel that Jesus taught "as one having authority [exousia], and not as the scribes" (Matthew 7:29), and He gives that authority to others deliberately (Matthew 10:1; John 15:16 — "ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you").

Hebrews 5:4 states the principle Latter-day Saints cite constantly: "no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." The fifth Article of Faith puts it in modern form, and D&C 121:36–46 adds the decisive qualification — the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with heaven, and cannot be exercised except on principles of righteousness.

See also

• δύναμιςdynamis
• ἀπόστολοςapostolos
• כֹּהֵןkōhēn