The Merriam-Webster Online dictionary has several meanings for the word Power. One is the ability to act or produce an effect. Another is the 'possession of control, authority, or influence over others'; and yet another is that it is a source or means of supplying energy.
There are two types of synonyms for the word Power according to the Merriam-Webster Online. The one type means: The right to govern or rule or determine. And the other type is the ability to exert effort.
From the first type we can further break it down with words such as 'authority' or 'control'. 'Authority' implies the granting of power for a specific purpose within specific limits. An example is found in Romans 15:19: "Through mighty signs and wonders, by the Power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ." Paul was given Power within a certain area, that he could preach the gospel of Christ.
Another synonym under the first type of the synonyms for the word 'Power', is 'control'. 'Control' stresses the power to direct and restrain. In Acts 13:2 the Holy Spirit said to set apart Barnabas and Saul, 'for the work unto which I have called them'. In verse 4 it states 'So they being sent forth by the Holy Spirit...' He is directing the work, and sending those he chooses to do that work. In Acts 16 we have examples of how the Holy Spirit restrains the work as in Vs. 6 it states that Paul was 'forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia', and in verse 7 'they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit allowed them not.'
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No comments:
Post a Comment