Definition and Scope:
Jurisdiction, in a biblical context, refers to the authority or control exercised by an individual or governing body over a particular area or group of people. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God’s sovereignty and the delegated authority to human leaders are recurring themes. Jurisdiction encompasses both spiritual and temporal realms, reflecting the divine order established by God.

Biblical Foundations:
The Bible presents God as the ultimate authority, whose jurisdiction extends over all creation. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein." This verse underscores the comprehensive scope of God’s dominion.

In the Old Testament, God delegates authority to human leaders, establishing a framework for governance. For instance, in Exodus 18:21-22 , Moses is advised to appoint capable men as leaders over the people: "Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Have these men judge the people at all times."

Judicial Authority:
The concept of jurisdiction is closely linked to judicial authority in the Bible. Judges and leaders were appointed to maintain justice and order within the community. Deuteronomy 16:18 instructs, "You are to appoint judges and officers for your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment."

The New Testament also addresses jurisdiction, particularly in the context of church leadership and discipline. In Matthew 18:15-17 , Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing the authority of the church community in matters of discipline: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church."

Civil Authority:
The Bible acknowledges the role of civil authorities and their jurisdiction over societal matters. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

This passage highlights the divine sanction of governmental authority, urging believers to respect and submit to civil jurisdiction as part of their obedience to God.

Spiritual Jurisdiction:
Spiritual jurisdiction is a significant theme in the New Testament, particularly concerning the authority of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus, after His resurrection, declares in Matthew 28:18 , "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This statement affirms Christ’s supreme jurisdiction over all spiritual and earthly realms.

The apostles, as Christ’s representatives, exercised spiritual authority in the early church. In 2 Corinthians 10:8 , Paul speaks of his apostolic authority: "For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed."

Conclusion:
While the Bible establishes a clear hierarchy of authority, it also emphasizes the responsibility of those in positions of jurisdiction to act justly and righteously. The exercise of jurisdiction, whether spiritual or civil, is to reflect God’s character and purposes, ensuring justice, order, and the flourishing of His creation.1. (n.) The legal power or right of an authority to handle a particular case; judicial authority over a cause or class of causes; as, certain suits or actions, or the cognizance of certain crimes, are within the jurisdiction of a particular court, that is, within the limits of its authority or commission.

2. (n.) The authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate; the right of making or enforcing laws; the power or right of exercising authority.

3. (a.) Sphere of authority; the limits within which any particular power may be exercised, or within which a government or a court has authority.

JURISDICTION

joo-ris-dik'-shun (exousia): The word exousia is well known in New Testament Greek. It is derived from the word exesti, and suggests the absence of any hindrance to an act. It contains the idea of right and might (Cremer). In the New Testament it means right, authority, capability (Romans 9:21); power, strength (Matthew 9:8); right and might (John 5:27). Thus it gets the meaning of the powers of the magistrate, which it bears in later Greek (Titus 3:1 Romans 13:1-3). And in this sense it is used in Luke 23:7, where it is translated "jurisdiction."

1849. exousia -- power to act, authority
... power to act, authority NASB Word Usage authorities (7), authority (65), charge
(1), control (1), domain (2), dominion (1), jurisdiction (1), liberty (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1849.htm - 8k

2961. kurieuo -- to be lord of, rule
... over. 2961 (from 2962 , "lord") -- properly, to exercise rights over one's
as an with full (lordship) over this jurisdiction. Word ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2961.htm - 7k

1203. despotes -- lord, master
... 1203 (from , "husband") -- properly, an authority figure ("master") who
exercises complete jurisdiction (wields unrestricted power). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1203.htm - 7k

4892. sunedrion -- a sitting together, hence a council, spec. the ...
... Mt 5:21,22). [The Great Sanhedrin met in and basically lacked jurisdiction
in Galilee and Samaria (Dr. Maclean, Hasting's ). synagogues ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4892.htm - 8k

2963. kuriotes -- lordship
... celestial hierarchy. 2963 (from 2962 , "lord") -- dominion; a power exerting
itself in a particular jurisdiction ("ruling"). Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2963.htm - 7k

2634. katakurieuo -- to bend down
... 2634 (from 2596 , ", according to," intensifying 2691 , "exercise lordship") --
properly, exercise control (ward) as an with full jurisdiction; (passive) to be ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2634.htm - 6k

935. basileus -- a king
... As King, Jesus Christ has unqualified jurisdiction over all creation --
also being God the Creator. (cf. Jn 1:1-3,49). See 932 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/935.htm - 7k

758. archon -- ruler, chief
... 758 (from 757 , "rule, take precedence") -- properly, a ruler (chief); a commander
with authority (influence) over people in a particular jurisdiction. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/758.htm - 7k

4896. mishtar -- rule, authority
... Word Origin from the same as shoter Definition rule, authority NASB Word Usage rule
(1). dominion. From shoter; jurisdiction -- dominion. see HEBREW shoter. ...
/hebrew/4896.htm - 6k

4082. medinah -- a province
... every province. From diyn; properly, a judgeship, ie Jurisdiction; by implication,
a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region -- (X every) province. ...
/hebrew/4082.htm - 6k

Of the Jurisdiction of the Church, and the Abuses of It, as ...
... BOOK FOURTH. OF THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH CHAPTER 11. OF THE JURISDICTION OF THE
CHURCH, AND THE ABUSES OF IT, AS EXEMPLIFIED IN THE PAPACY. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of the jurisdiction.htm

Excursus on the Extent of the Jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome ...
... Excursus on the Extent of the Jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome Over the
Suburbican Churches. Although, as Hefele well says, "It ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the extent of.htm

Decree on the Jurisdiction of Jerusalem and Antioch.
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. Decree
on the Jurisdiction of Jerusalem and Antioch. Session VII. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/decree on the jurisdiction of.htm

Whether a Man Can Justly Judge one who is not Subject to his ...
... OF THE INJUSTICE OF A JUDGE, IN JUDGING (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether a man can
justly judge one who is not subject to his jurisdiction? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man can justly.htm

Whether a Man who is Excommunicated or Suspended Can Excommunicate ...
... For such a one has lost neither orders nor jurisdiction, since neither is he ordained
anew when he is absolved, nor is his jurisdiction renewed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man who is 2.htm

Whether a Penitent, at the Point of Death, Can be Absolved by any ...
... For absolution requires jurisdiction, as stated above [4847](A[5]). Now a priest
does not acquire jurisdiction over a man who repents at the point of death. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a penitent at the.htm

Whether it is Lawful for Anyone to Confess to Another than his Own ...
... I answer that, A priest may be hindered in two ways from hearing a man's confession:
first, through lack of jurisdiction; secondly, through being prevented ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 20.htm

Epistle viii. To Boniface, Deacon.
... to the camp of Cassiopus, which is situate in the island of Corcyra, and how the
bishop of Euria is endeavouring to withdraw it from the jurisdiction of the ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle viii to boniface deacon.htm

Article xxviii (xiv): of Ecclesiastical Power.
... And we are pleased with the ancient division of power into power of the order and
power of jurisdiction [that is the administration of the Sacraments and the ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 36 article xxviii xiv .htm

Epistle vii. To Alcyson, Bishop of Corcyra.
... to priestly moderation, contrary to the ordinances of the sacred canons, they should
attempt to withdraw the aforesaid camp from thy jurisdiction and subject ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle vii to alcyson bishop.htm

Jurisdiction (4 Occurrences)
... case; judicial authority over a cause or class of causes; as, certain suits or actions,
or the cognizance of certain crimes, are within the jurisdiction of a ...
/j/jurisdiction.htm - 9k

Province (66 Occurrences)
... or direction of any special person; the district or division of a country, especially
an ecclesiastical division, over which one has jurisdiction; as, the ...
/p/province.htm - 38k

Bethsaida (7 Occurrences)
... Thus Gamala, on the eastern shore, was within the jurisdiction of Josephus, who
commanded in Galilee (BJ, II, xx, 4). Judas of Gamala (Ant., XVIII, i, l) is ...
/b/bethsaida.htm - 19k

Ordinary (17 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) An officer who has original jurisdiction in his own right, and not
by deputation. 5. (n.) One who has immediate jurisdiction...
/o/ordinary.htm - 12k

Sanhedrim (20 Occurrences)
... Its jurisdiction was greatly curtailed by Herod, and afterwards by the Romans. ... It
had jurisdiction of religious matters. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/s/sanhedrim.htm - 15k

See (8256 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Specifically: (a) The seat of episcopal power; a diocese; the
jurisdiction of a bishop; as, the see of New York. (b) The ...
/s/see.htm - 9k

Sheol (64 Occurrences)
... she'-ol (she'ol): 1. The Name 2. The Abode of the Dead (1) Not a State of
Unconsciousness (2) Not Removed from God's Jurisdiction (3) Relation to Immortality ...
/s/sheol.htm - 34k

Presbytery (1 Occurrence)
... pastor. This body has a general jurisdiction over the churches under its
care, and next below the provincial synod in authority. ...
/p/presbytery.htm - 14k

Areopagus (3 Occurrences)
... In 594 BC the jurisdiction in criminal cases was given to the archons who had
discharged the duties of their office well and honorably, consequently to the ...
/a/areopagus.htm - 14k

Sanhedrin (19 Occurrences)
... of Christ, the Sanhedrin was formally led by the Sadducean high priests, but
practically ruled by the Pharisees (Ant., XVIII, i, 4). 4. Jurisdiction: In the ...
/s/sanhedrin.htm - 27k

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