exousia

What it means

The right or power to act, often given by someone higher. Mark makes it the first thing the crowd notices: Jesus teaches "as one having authority" (1:22), commands unclean spirits (1:27), forgives sins (2:10), and gives authority to the twelve (3:15).

Range of meaning

• Right to actPermission or freedom to do something.
• PowerThe ability to make things happen.
• RuleAuthority over others, or the people who hold it.

In Mark

• Chapter 1

  He teaches "as one having authority" (1:22, 1:27).

• Chapter 2

  "The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (2:10).

• Chapter 3

  The twelve are given authority to cast out demons (3:15).

• Chapter 6

  He gives the twelve authority over unclean spirits (6:7).

• Chapter 11

  "By what authority do you do these things?" (11:28-33).