In each of the synoptics, Jesus sends out the twelve on a mission, and in each He is said to transform them from mere disciples (followers) to apostles (emissaries) by a grant of authority (exousia) over the spirits (Matthew 10: 1; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1).
Not power (dynamis). But authority.
The success of their mission depended on their possession of the right to act in Jesus’ name and the right to command demons. Mission depends on the gift of authority.
What happens to mission when the church becomes suspicious of authority?
