Getting the Whole Picture, Part 8: The Shift Continues, Contexts 2 and 3
May 8, 2026
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This post is an installment of a series exploring Paul's direction to the church regarding women in leadership. To check out the prior installment, see: Getting the Whole Picture, Part 7: The Shift Continues.
CONTEXT 2: When authente, etal is referring to impartial objects, such as planets influence for zodiac predictions in astrological texts, it is about power dynamics which adds to the confusion around this word family.
Hermetic usage re astrology/horoscope/zodiac:
Methodus Mystica (Hermetic astrological source, debated 1st century BCE–CE): Refers to superiority or mastery of a skill/occupation of the lowest class of people such as slaves or possibly criminals based on positions of planets.
Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos (astrological, 2nd century CE): Saturn "authentēsas"/ gaining dominance/ mastery over Mercury/Moon produces certain character traits.
Papyrus Tebtunis 276 (astrological, 2nd–3rd century CE): Planetary rulership or superior position.
Dorotheus of Sidon (Carmen Astrologicum, Hellenistic Greek horoscopic astrology, 80-120AD): Jupiter position with waning Moon phase makes people not authentas/ dominant / masters / superior but subservient instead.
Here’s a very brief background for some astrological history: Remember Daniel, who was put in charge of the wise men of Babylon / modern day Iran around 600 BC (Daniel 2:47-49)? About 600 years later, other wise men, followed the star to Bethlehem to worship Jesus the King. Babylon’s wise men had studied the stars over several thousand years, and developed horoscopic zodiac signs based on positions of the stars. These zodiac signs are included on the ancient statues of Artemis of the Ephesians between her neck and chest (picture of statue: Artemis of Ephesus - Livius).
Also, remember Pharaoh’s Egyptian sorcerers Jannes & Jambres that Paul specifically names in 2 Tim 3:8 (Who were Jannes and Jambres in the Bible?) Well, astrology merged with the curious/dark arts (alchemy) via Hermes Trismegistus (blend of Egyptian god Thoth and Greek counterpart Hermes) in Methodus Mystica which evolved into a gnostic hermeticism possibly starting right around the time of Paul. Methodus Mystica was an early key document (with a debatable date between 100BC and 100AD) that spawned subsequent astrological Hermetic writing by Dorothea, Ptolemy, along with the Corpus Hermetica that includes Poimandres (discussed in Context 3, below).
In addition, Paul had written to the Ephesians that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness, authorities, principalities and rulers in the heavenly realms. Paul would have been aware of the astrology/zodiac, the magic/ curious arts/ sorcery and the special/ secret knowledge, but it would be very difficult to prove that he would have been aware of the use of authentounta in the Methodus Mystica. He would have had to have a unique knowledge of the astrological context that would have also been understood by Timothy. However, it’s possible that Paul meant a specific woman was acting superior to or as master over a man, and both would be negative in the context of a human relationship.
CONTEXT 3: This is when authente is describing some ultimate divine being as an absolute ruler, superior, master, lord. There are no occurrences of this meaning used before Paul that we know of. Interestingly, the first uses in this context came out around the same time, about 150 AD in the Shepherd of Hermas, who refers to Jesus Christ as the Master/Owner/Builder of the Church (allegorical tower) and also in Poimandres (means “The Shepherd of Men”, is the first of 17 texts that comprise the Corpus Hermeticum; The Corpus Hermeticum - Sacred Texts - Hermetic Library). This is used in the context of some superlative divine mind/knowledge.
Who copied who, we don’t know. But again, this all adds to the confusion of the meaning, and also possibly influenced the early translations meaning of domineer/lord over, when applied in a human context compared to divine (ie YHWH & Adonai are Dominus in Latin).
The following is a statement by a key influential scholar for decades on the authentein debate that has been cited in various influential secondary sources (my emphasis added): “It (authentia) was the name of the supreme deity in the systems of the early Gnostics Cerinthus and Saturninus, and in the gnostic writing Poimandres.”
Anything influenced by the Gnostics almost always adds to the confusion. When Irenaeus & Hippolytus refutes Cerinthus/Saturninus Gnostic beliefs in Against Heresies (Irenaeus), Refuting Heresies (Hippolytus), it seems they are using authentia to describe the gnostic supreme deity. But it is not a name gnostics actually used.
Also adding to the confusion, Poimandres is considered part of the Corpus Hermeticum, which are considered astrological texts, not gnostic, but they do seem to include significant gnostic influences about knowledge. Nothing is plain or clear when astrology, gnostics and mystics are all mixed up in a toxic milieu of cultic syncretism with secret knowledge and sorcery, and that shift seems to be what happened for the most part over the 100 years after Paul! The pagan influence was significant before Paul, but the Gnostic and Hermetic cults were in their beginnings during this time of history and caused some of the confusion.
Using the authente family to describe God as Absolute, Sovereign and Supreme expanded in patristic uses over the next several hundred years, especially with Chrysostom (YHWH God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit). Over half of Chrysostom’s uses are positive meanings in a superlative manner for the Christian Triune God.
So those are three key contexts of where the authente family was used.
Now, where do we go from here?
Next up is a summary on authentein, including why Paul was most likely using it with a negative meaning and why that matters, along with various interpretations. After that, I will continue working through Paul’s pastoral corrections in 1 Tim 2:12-15 regarding teaching, created order, and childbirth, then share some additional thoughts on 1 Timothy to conclude the series.
In the meantime…
THE SHIFT CONTINUES: In the comments below I will share a fairly extensive, but not exhaustive chart I compiled with how authentein has been translated over the years since the Latin Venus (around 150AD) in various versions of our Bibles. I compare the translation of authentein with how each version translated “lord over” / katakyrieuousin and “exercise authority” / katexousiazousin in Matt 20:25. An interesting note is that all the ancient translations use similar negative language of domineering / lording over for authentein and katakyrieuousin (lording it over).
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FYI: I shared the chart of authentein Scripture translations in PART 7 comments as that usage entirely CONTEXT 1 - people to people relationships... Getting the Whole Picture, Part 7: The Shift Continues | CRC Network So if you are interested, check out the comments in PART 7.
I hope to drop a list of 100+ Chrysostom's uses (around 70 uses are CONTEXT 3 related to God as some form of Absolute Sovereignty) in the comments here later for anyone who might be interested. This list is something that I could not find anywhere else, other than some references to Chrysostom using authente in several sermons related to 1 Timothy 2 and husband/wife relations. But thanks to TLG, I could compile Chrysostom's 100+ uses, then drop them into AI to translate into English to help me with context and meaning. Coming soon... but might be a few days as the format from excel does not copy into the comments coherently!
I'm going to share the long list of Chrysostom's 100+ uses over several comments...
Meaning / CHRYSOSTOM Source/Ref / Greek / Context / Referent / POS/NEG/NEUTRAL
Usages in Chrysostom' s Contra (Against) Anomoes
1 Creative/legislative authority over laws / Homily 7; PG 48, p758, ln56; / John 5:17 / αὐθεντίαν / Jesus = Father / God the Father / positive
2 Christ's authentia is supreme, not inferior / Homily 8; PG 48, p769, ln48; / Matt 20:20-23 / αὐθεντίας / seats of honor / Jesus Christ / positive /
3 (spurious per TLG?) / Irresistible mastery over paradise /death / Homily 9; PG 48, p782, ln 48; / Luke 23:43 / αὐθεντίᾳ / thief on cross / Jesus Christ / positive
4 originating absolute authority / command over life/death / Homily 9; PG 48, p783, ln27; / John 11 / αὐθεντίας / raising of Lazarus / Jesus Christ / positive
5 Divine sovereignty and equality / Homily 10; PG 48, p787, ln48; / αὐθεντίας / contra ESS / Jesus Christ / positive
6 full, autonomous divine mastery over punishment/reward. / Homily 10; PG 48, p787, ln55; / Matt 25:41 / αὐθεντίας / fire for devil/angels / Jesus Christ / positive
7 exalted divine lordship, masterful rule over judgment / Homily 10; PG 48, p788, ln11; / Matt 25:34, 41-46 / αὐθεντίας / judgment / eternity / Jesus Christ / positive
8 Sovereign legislative/ judicial authority; Originating Divine power / Homily 10; PG 48, p788, ln18; / Matt 9:2-6, Matt 5-7 / αὐθεντίας, / Rhetorical question / Jesus Christ / positive
9 Supreme authoritative teaching of Scripture as Divine equal w Lawgiver / Homily 10; PG 48, p788, ln38; / Matt 5:17-20 / αὐθεντίας / OT laws / Jesus Christ / positive
10 Foundational, originating Divine authority / Homily 10; PG 48, p792, ln1; / Matt 28:18; Mark 1:27 / αὐθεντίας / sovereign actions / Jesus Christ / positive
11 Supreme authority / sovereignty / mastery / Homily 11; PG 48, p799, ln48; / John 5:19-23, 10:30 / αὐθεντίας / αὐθεντίαν; / contra ESS / Jesus Christ / positive
12 Supreme authority / sovereignty / mastery / Homily 11; PG 48, p799, ln49; / John 5:19-23, 10:30 / αὐθεντίας αὐθεντίαν; / contra ESS / Jesus Christ / positive
13 Supreme authority / sovereignty / mastery / Homily 11; PG 48, p799, ln62; / Gen 1:26 / αὐθεντίαν / NT & OT harmony / Jesus Christ / positive
14 Supreme authority / sovereignty / mastery / Homily 11; PG 48, p800, ln29; Phil 2:6-8, / Hebr 1:3 / αὐθεντίαν / contra ESS / Jesus Christ / positive
15 Superior authority / sovereignty / mastery over all / Homily 11; PG 48, p804, ln16; / Matt 5:1-20, 4:23-24; John 21:25 / αὐθεντίας / contra ESS / Jesus Christ / positive
16 Lordly, Supreme mastery (not servile) / Homily 12; PG 48, p809, ln31; / John 5:18-23, 10:30 / αὐθεντίαν / contra ESS / Jesus Christ / positive
17 Co-equal Divine authority / Homily 12; PG 48, p809, ln35; / John 5:17 / αὐθεντίαν / Divine equality / Jesus Christ / positive
18 Authentia belongs to superiors, inferiors cannot usurp it / Homily 12; PG 48, p810, ln10; / John 5:18-23, 10:30 / αὐθεντίαν / Father/Son share authentia / Jesus Christ / positive
19 Authoritative equality w the Father / Homily 12; PG 48, p810, ln31; / John 5:15-23, 10:30 / αὐθεντίαν / Proof of Christ's sovereignty / Jesus Christ / positive
20 Authoritative equality w the Father / Homily 12; PG 48, p810, ln35; / John 5:18-23, 10:30 / αὐθεντίαν / Christ's actions = proof / Jesus Christ / positive
TBC... LIST OF CHRYSOSTOM'S USE OF THE AUTHENTE FAMILY
Meaning / CHRYSOSTOM Source/Ref / Greek / Context / Referent / POS/NEG/NEUTRAL
CHRYSOSTOM'S De diabolo tentatore
21 delegated power inferior to God's / Homily 1-3; 2062.026, PG 49, p262, ln36 / alludes to 1 Cor 5:5 / αὐθεντίαν / deliver such to satan / satan / limited/ inferior
CHRYSOSTOM'S De paenitentia
22 Divinely given Apostolic authority to speak truth / Homily 1-9; 2062.027, PG 49, p323, ln14 / αὐθεντίας / Divinely empowered / Apostle Paul / limited / positive
23 Divine truth has authority / Homily 1-9; 2062.027, PG 49, p323, ln28 / αὐθεντίαν / Not autonomous or originator / Paul / Truth / positive
24 Generous Divine authority to forgive / Homily 1-9; 2062.027, PG 49, p323, ln34; Matt 9:2-6 / αὐθεντία / Forgiving sins / Truth / Savior / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S De sancta pentecoste
25 exercising autonomous authority / Homily 1-2; 2062.037; PG 50,p464, ln 43; 1 Cor 12:11 / αὐθεντοῦν / Pentecost / Holy Spirit / positive
26 Mutual supreme Divine authority / Homily 1-2; 2062.037; PG 50,p464, ln 44; 1 Cor 12:11 / αὐθεντοῦν / Trinitarian equality / Holy Spirit / positive
27 Mutual supreme Divine authority / Homily 1-2; 2062.037; PG 50,p464, ln 52; / αὐθεντία / Spirit's unity w Father / Son / Holy Spirit / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S De Maccabeis
28 Virtuous authority, doing what is right / Homily 1-3, 2062.047; PG 50, p627, ln 14; 2 Maccabees 6-7 / αὐθεντίας / Maccabean martyrs / martyrs, elderly / positive /
CHRYSOSTOM'S In quatriduanum Lazarum
29 Lordly command over life and death / 2062.049; PG 50, p643, ln 54; John 11:43 / αὐθεντίαν / Raising Lazarus / Jesus Christ / positive/ miraculous
CHRYSOSTOM'S In paralyticum demissum per tectum
30 Co equal sovereignty as the Father / 2062.063; PG 51, p61, ln4; Mark 2:1-12 / Matt 9:1-8 / αὐθεντίαν / Healing paralytic / Jesus Christ / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S In principium Actorum
31 authoritative command / Homily 1-4; 2062.064 PG51, p96, ln 2; I Cor 5:1-5 / αὐθεντίας / church discipline / Paul/ Truth / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S In illud: Salutate Priscillam et Aquilam
32 domineering, improper teaching authority over husband instead of mutual / Sermons 1-2; 2062.069 PG 51, p192, ln24; 1 Tim 2:12 / αὐθεντεῖν / Spousal relationships / Wife / Negative
33 the wife is not prohibited from teaching husband if an unbeliever / Sermons 1-2; 2062.069 PG 51, p192, ln28; 1 Tim 2:13 / αὐθεντίαν / Spousal relationships / Wife / not absolute
CHRYSOSTOM'S Ad Innocentium papam (LETTER TO THE POPE WHEN LEADERS TRIED TO DEPOSE HIM)
34 overbearing, coercive, self asserting power / Epistle 1; 2062.094; PG 52, p531, ln24 / αὐθεντίας / Chrysostom' deposition / Arch deacon / negative overreach
35 abuse of power in human conflict / Epistle 1; 2062.094; PG 52, p532, ln15 / αὐθεντίας / Chrysostom expelled / Deacon tyrant / abuse of power
CHRYSOSTOM'S In Genesim
36 Lordly dominion over creation / Homily 1-67; 2062.112; PG 53, p116, ln 59 / αὐθεντίαν / Creation; Genesis 2:19- / 20 / Adam / positive
37 Delegated virtuous authority / Homily 1-67; 2062.112; PG 54, p539, ln 63 / αὐθεντίαν / Joseph in prison, Gen 39:21-23 / Joseph / positive
38 kingly/royal majesty and authority/ Messianic prophecy of Jesus Christ / Homily 1-67; 2062.112; PG 53, p116, ln 61 / αὐθεντίαν / Jacob blesses Judah, Gen 49:9 / symbolic lion / positive
39 past action a single, disastrous event based on bad/erroneous teaching / Homily 1-9; 2062.113; PG 54, p594, ln 60; 1 Tim 2:12 / αὐθεντεῖν/ past action / the fall of Adam and Eve; Gen 3 / Eve / negative
40 Related to bad teaching/advice / Homily 1-9; 2062.113; PG 54, p595, ln 1; 1 Tim 2:12 / αὐθεντίαν / the fall of Adam and Eve; Gen 3 / Eve / negative
TBC...
TBC... LIST OF CHRYSOSTOM'S USE OF THE AUTHENTE FAMILY
Meaning / CHRYSOSTOM Source/Ref / Greek / Context / Referent / POS/NEG/NEUTRAL
CHRYSOSTOM'S De sancta trinitate
41 Co-equal Creative power / Spurious 2062.123; PG 48, p1094, ln 6 / αὐθεντίαν / Creation, Psalm 8:3-4, John 5:17 / Jesus Christ / positive/ spurious
42 The Spirit's attributes match the Father & Son's. / Spurious. 2062.123; PG 48, p1094, ln 7 / αὐθεντίαν / Holy Spirit / positive/ spurious
CHRYSOSTOM'S Expositiones in Psalmos
43 Authentike exousia/supreme authority / 2062.143; PG 55, p121, ln 14 / αὐθεντικὴν / Possibly Psalm 102 or 104 / Son of God/ Christ / positive
44 God's self originating sovereignty / 2062.143; PG 55, p189, ln 52 / αὐθεντίαν / Psalm 7:12 or 45:3-5 / Divine/ God / positive
45 authentia and exousia; unchallenged rule / 2062.143; PG 55, p213, ln 11 / αὐθεντίαν / Psalm 104 or 148 / Divine/ God / positive
46 w omnipotent power and authentia over enemies / 2062.143; PG 55, p401, ln 53 / αὐθεντίας / Ps 18/19 or 68/69 / Divine/ God / positive
47 Exousia and authentia by speaking, His word/command! / 2062.143; PG 55, p487, ln 11 / αὐθεντίαν / Ps 104:32 or similar / Divine/ God / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S In Matthaeum
48 restrained authentia, praying instead of commanding / Homily 1-90; 2062.152; PG 57, col 239, ln 59 / αὐθεντῶν / re raising Lazarus in John 11 / Jesus Christ / positive
49 abundant, fitting authentia for law-giving, legislative sovereignty / Homily 1-90; 2062.152; PG 57, col 239, ln 60 / αὐθεντίας / Sermon on the Mount Matt 5-7 / Christ as Lawgiver / positive
50 Authoritative teaching "I say to you" / Homily 1-90; 2062.152; PG 57, col 239, ln 61 / αὐθεντίαν / Sermon on the Mount Matt 5-8 / Jesus Christ / positive
51 Invincible Power of Jesus / Homily 1-90; 2062.152; PG 57, col 239, ln 62 / αὐθεντίαν / Matt 10:16/ sheep & wolves / Jesus Christ / positive
52 overreach, false confidence, presumptious control, self assertion / Homily 1-90; 2062.152; PG 57, col 239, ln 63 / αὐθεντεῖ / Matt 17:14-18/ epilectic boy / boy's father?/ crowd / negative
LINK: CHURCH FATHERS: Homily 57 on Matthew (Chrysostom) My thoughts: I don't agree w this take re the father
53 Authoritative teaching on marriage & divorce / Homily 1-90; 2062.152; PG 57, col 239, ln 64 / αὐθεντίας / Matt 19:3-9/ divorce / Christ as Lawgiver / positive
54 high responsibility of teaching, misuse brings greater judgment, / Homily 1-90; 2062.152; PG 57, col 239, ln 65 / αὐθεντίαν / Matt 23 woes / teachers/scribes / warning: neg or pos
55 the law's legitimate authority, functional dominance / Homily 1-90; 2062.152; PG 57, col 239, ln 66 / αὐθεντίαν / Matt 24:20; flee from attack / The law / Sabbath / positive/ neutral
56 Self sufficient lordship in founding the church and delegating the keys / Homily 1-90; 2062.152; PG 57, col 239, ln 67 / αὐθεντίας / Matt 16:16-18; build My church / Jesus Christ / positive
57 / Enduring Divine Presence, Sovereign relationship / Homily 1-90; 2062.152; PG 57, col 239, ln 68 / αὐθεντίαν / Matt 28:20; I AM w/ you always / Jesus Christ / positive
TBC...
CONTINUED... LIST OF CHRYSOSTOM'S USE OF THE AUTHENTE FAMILY
Meaning / CHRYSOSTOM Source/Ref / Greek / Context / Referent / POS/NEG/NEUTRAL
CHRYSOSTOM'S In Joannem
58 examples of Jesus speaking with supreme authority / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p43, ln 9 / αὐθεντίαν / John 1 & early miracles / Jesus Christ / positive
59 Jesus speaking with Supreme authority / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p43, ln 10 / αὐθεντίας / Re Peter -> Cephas / Jesus Christ / positive
60 Increasing/ progressive revelation of Jesus' full authority / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p43, ln 11 / αὐθεντικώτερον / Matt 16:16-18; Peter's confession / Jesus Christ / positive
61 Bold, unchallenged Divine authority cleansing the temple / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p139, ln 55 / αὐθεντίας / John 2, turning tables / Jesus Christ / positive
62 Abundant, evident Divine authority in deeds and miracles / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p145 ln 30 / αὐθεντίαν / John 1, calling disciples / Jesus Christ / positive
63 Authoritative, commanding speech over nature and disease / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p217, ln 8 αὐθεντίαν /John 5; "Peace be still" / Jesus Christ / positive
64 Authoritative, yet humbly expressing Divine truths / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p217, ln 36 / αὐθεντίας / General truths re Jesus / Jesus Christ / positive
65 Jesus uses His own Divine dignity/authority strategically / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p222, ln 11 / αὐθεντίαν / General truths re Jesus / Jesus Christ / positive
66 Authentia and unspeakable exousia combo again! Over life and death / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p223, ln 8 / αὐθεντίαν / John 5:25; Jesus' voice gives life / Jesus Christ / positive
67 Christ acts with inherent power in unity with the Father / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p232, ln 13 / αὐθεντίᾳ / John 5:19, Sabbath healing / Jesus Christ / positive
68 Christ's authentia is expressed with His agape love and compassionate servant heart / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p242, ln 17 / αὐθεντίᾳ / General truths re Jesus / Jesus Christ / positive
69 Christ's self testimony of Who He is / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p290, ln 61 / αὐθεντίαν / John 8:18; WHO HE IS / Jesus Christ / positive
70-71 Divine dignity, unity & equality with the Father / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p291, ln 8 & 12 / αὐθεντίαν / John 8:18; WHO HE IS / Jesus Christ / positive
72-74,76 Inherent Divine power/prophetic power / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p345 ln30,46; p357, ln 30; p358, ln 38 / αὐθεντίαν / John 11; raising of Lazarus / Jesus Christ / positive
75,78 Divine prophetic power / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p357, ln 58; p396, ln 35 / αὐθεντίας / John 13:38; Peter's denial / Jesus Christ / positive
77 human authority is submitted under Christ / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p367, ln 44 / αὐθεντεῖ / John 12:20-22; consulting Jesus / Andrew / neutral
79,80 Divine sovereignty and equality / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p401-402, ln 36 & 33 / αὐθεντίαν / John 14; Jesus' miracles & works / Jesus Christ / positive
81,82,86 Holy Spirit selecting Barnabas and Saul / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p404, ln 35, 37 / 2x αὐθεντίας / Acts 13:2; Divine selection / Holy Spirit / positive
83 Authoritative speech of Divine equality / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p412, ln 47 / αὐθεντικώτερον / John 15:9-10 abide in Christ / Jesus Christ / positive
84 Jesus authority to give Holy Spirit / Homily 1-88; 2062.153; PG 59, p471, ln 5 / αὐθεντίᾳ / John 20:22 / Jesus Christ / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S In Acta apostolorum
85 Apostolic church decision, authority entrusted to apostles by Christ / Homily 1-55; 2062.154; PG 60, p37, ln 13 (also p34 ln25) / αὐθεντεῖ / Acts 1:15-26; choosing Matthias / Peter / positive
86 communal consent avoiding independent authentikos/ dominance / Homily 1-55; 2062.154; PG 60, p34 ln25 / αὐθεντικῶς / Acts 1:15-26; choosing Matthias / Peter / neutral/ restrained
87 humility over dominance / Homily 1-55; 2062.154; PG 60, p37, ln 14 / αὐθεντείαν / Acts 15 Jerusalem council / Apostles / neutral
2.5 avoiding authoritative mode for collegiality shared decision / Homily 1-55; 2062.154; PG 60, p37, ln 15 / αὐθεντικῶς / Acts 15 Jerusalem council / Apostles / neutral/ shared / In epistulam ad Romanos
88 Scriptural authority / Homily 1-32; 2062.155; PG 60, p467, ln 21 / αὐθεντίας / Rom 4, Scriptural authority / Paul / positive
89 souls restrained from independent self rule by Spirit / Homily 1-32; 2062.155; PG 60, p467, ln 22 / αὐθεντεῖν / Rom 7-8; sin vs Holy Spirit / human souls / neutral/ cautionary
TBC...
CONTINUED... LIST OF CHRYSOSTOM'S USE OF THE AUTHENTE FAMILY
Meaning / CHRYSOSTOM Source/Ref / Greek / Context / Referent / POS/NEG/NEUTRAL
CHRYSOSTOM'S In epistulam ad Romanos
88 Scriptural authority / Homily 1-32; 2062.155; PG 60, p467, ln 21 / αὐθεντίας / Rom 4, Scriptural authority / Paul / positive
89 souls restrained from independent self rule by Spirit / Homily 1-32; 2062.155; PG 60, p467, ln 22 / αὐθεντεῖν / Rom 7-8; sin vs Holy Spirit / human souls / neutral/ cautionary / In epistulam i ad Corinthios
2.6 bold, firm, strong authority/speak truth to confront falsehood / (homiliae 1-44) {2062.156} – PG 61, p. 117, line 4 / Acts 13 Elymas the sorcerer / Paul / positive
90 avoiding excessive or arrogant authority, restrained humility / (homiliae 1-44) {2062.156} – PG 61, p. 123, line 27 / αὐθαδέστερος / 1 Cor 5 judgment re sin situation / Paul / Neutral/ cautionary
91 demanding, abusive insistence of rights exploiting others / (homiliae 1-44) {2062.156} – PG 61, p. 175, ln 6 / αὐθεντίας / 1 Cor 9, Paul's restraint / exploitive teachers / Negative
92 bold, firm, strong authority to correct chaos -> order / (homiliae 1-44) {2062.156} – PG 61, p. 315, ln 44 / αὐθεντίας / 1 Cor 14; tongues/ prophecy / Paul / positive
93 bold, firm, strong authority to command nations / (homiliae 1-44) {2062.156} – PG 61, p. 368, ln 28 / αὐθεντικώτερον / 1 Cor 16; Paul commands / Paul / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S In epistulam ii ad Corinthios
94 opponents arrogant authority vs Paul milder gentler approach / (homiliae 1-30) {2062.157} – PG 61, p. 556, ln 23 / αὐθεντίας / 2 Cor 11; Paul's opponents / false apostles / negative
95 increased boldness/ confidence in speaking truth / (homiliae 1-30) {2062.157} – PG 61, p. 583, ln 44 / αὐθεντικώτερον / 2 Cor 12; / Paul / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S In epistulam ad Galatas commentarius
96 Paul used concession, avoids command (authentia authoritative decree) / 2062.158; PG 61, p635, ln 22 / αὐθεντίας / Gal 6:1-2 / Apostle Paul / Neutral/ cautionary
97 greater authentia/confidence in doctrinal correction / 2062.158; PG 61, p647, ln 34 / αὐθεντίας / Gal 1:6 / Apostle Paul / positive
98 the law's authority is dependent, not the supreme authority / 2062.158; PG 61, p655, ln 40 / αὐθεντίαν / the law / Neutral/ cautionary
CHRYSOSTOM'S In epistulam ad Ephesios
99 God's resurrection power and authentia / Homily 1-24; 2062.159; PG 62, p23, ln50 / αὐθεντίαν / Eph 1:19-20; God's power / Divine / God / Positive
100 Paul avoids authoritative emphasis, but chooses to humbly plea / Homily 1-24; 2062.159; PG 62, p55, ln35 / αὐθεντικὸν / Eph 4:1; beseech / Apostle Paul / Neutral/ cautionary
101 Tempered teaching instead of domineering style of commanding / Homily 1-24; 2062.159; PG 62, p87, ln4 / αὐθεντίαν / Eph 4:1; beseech / Apostle Paul / Neutral/ cautionary
CHRYSOSTOM'S In epistulam ad Philippenses
102 prohibited action of women (elderly widows) cannot teach men / Homily 1-15; 2062.160; PG 62, p252, ln37 αὐθεντεῖν / 1 Tim 5 widows / widow/ woman / negative/ cautionary
103 Apostolic authority to correct serious error / Homily 1-15; 2062.160; PG 62, p257, ln5 / αὐθεντίας / False teaching / Apostle Paul / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S In epistulam ad Colossenses
104 Paul is speaking from his pastoral heart, not imperial lording it over / Homily 1-12; 2062.161; PG 62, p351, ln34 / αὐθεντίας / Paul's tone / Apostle Paul / neutral/ cautionary
105 abusive/domineering aka authentei is forbidden / Homily 1-12; 2062.161; PG 62, p366, ln129 / αὐθέντει/ imperative / husbands / negative
106 avoid controlling, domineering attitude, especially w non believers / Homily 1-12; 2062.161; PG 62, p376, ln 1 / αὐθεντεῖν / Col 4:5; appeal vs aggressive / family of God / negative/ cautionary
TBC...
CONTINUED... LIST OF CHRYSOSTOM'S USE OF THE AUTHENTE FAMILY
Meaning / CHRYSOSTOM Source/Ref / Greek / Context / Referent / POS/NEG/NEUTRAL
CHRYSOSTOM'S In epistulam i ad Timotheum
2.7 fatherly gentleness instead of commanding mode / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p543, ln 30 / αὐθεντικῶς / Paul & Timothy / Paul / neutral/ pastoral
107 prohibited action of a woman over a man / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p543, ln 31 / αὐθεντεῖν / 1 Tim 2:11-12 / a woman / negative/ cautionary
108 Episkope is a noble service, it is not about ruling over others / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p547, ln 42 / αὐθεντίας / 1 Tim 3:1; episkope / anyone/ episkope / neutral/ cautionary
109 Again, Paul avoiding a commanding stance / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p559, ln 40 / αὐθεντίαν / Paul's tone / Apostle Paul / neutral/ cautionary
110 Sometimes need firmer, stronger exhortation for serious matters / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p564, ln 49 / αὐθεντίας / Wisdom with firm teaching / Apostle Paul / positive
111 Speak with firmness when necessary / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p564, ln 59 / αὐθεντικώτερον / Wisdom with firm teaching / Timothy/ youth / positive
112 Use authentia for common good and salvation of others / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p565, ln 10 / αὐθεντίας / Wisdom with firm teaching / those who lead / positive
113 Firmer action vs gentleness, to protect the church/community / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p543, ln 37 / αὐθεντίας / Wisdom with firm teaching / those who lead / positive
114 misuse freedoms /choices that lead to harm / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p543, ln 38 / αὐθεντία / harmful choices / young widows / negative/ cautionary
115 a time for authentia, and a time for gentleness / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p543, ln 39 / αὐθεντίας / Balance with teaching / teacher/ believer / positive
116 a time for authentia, and a time for gentleness / Homily 1-18; 2062.164; PG 62, p591, ln 18 / αὐθεντίας / Balance with teaching / teacher/ believer / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S In epistulam ii ad Timotheum
117 prophetic speaking truth to power / Homily 1-10; 2062.165; PG 62, p622, ln 60 / αὐθεντικώτερον / Bold authority in chains / Apostle Paul / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S In epistulam ad Titum
118 Homily 1-6; 2062.166; PG 62, p672, ln 52 / αὐθεντίας / stop false teachers / elders/ episkope / positive
119 Chrysostom silences/controls women's prophetic voices / Homily 1-6; 2062.166; PG 62, p683, ln 20 / αὐθεντεῖν / women not rule over men / Woman over man / negative/ cautionary
120 prohibits women speaking authoritively over men / Homily 1-6; 2062.166; PG 62, p683, ln 25 / αὐθεντεῖν / negative/ cautionary
121 authentia paired with exousia for pastoral command and correction / Homily 1-6; 2062.166; PG 62, p683, ln 26 / αὐθεντίας / Titus 2:15; correcting / Titus / positive
TBC...
CONTINUED... LIST OF CHRYSOSTOM'S USE OF THE AUTHENTE FAMILY
Meaning / CHRYSOSTOM Source/Ref / Greek / Context / Referent / POS/NEG/NEUTRAL
CHRYSOSTOM'S In epistulam ad Hebraeos
122 Christ has supreme sustaining authority / Homily 1-34; 2062.168; PG 63 p20, ln 41 / αὐθεντίαν / Jesus Christ / positive
123 Shared Divine governance / Homily 1-34; 2062.168; PG 63 p20, ln 44 / αὐθεντίας / correct Arian ESS / Jesus Christ / positive
124 Christ is equal in honor to the Father / Homily 1-34; 2062.168; PG 63 p21, ln 12 / αὐθεντίαν / correct Arian ESS / Jesus Christ / positive
125 Supreme authoritative speech / Homily 1-34; 2062.168; PG 63 p21, ln 29 / αὐθεντικώτερον / Peter; Matt 16:17-18 / Jesus Christ / positive
126 choose gentleness/humility over commanding power mode over / Homily 1-34; 2062.168; PG 63 p45, ln 19 / αὐθεντίαν implied / Style/tone of exhortation / Author of Hebrews / Neutral/ cautionary
127 we desire vs I command /authentia for relational warmth' / Homily 1-34; 2062.168; PG 63 p86, ln 38 / αὐθεντίας / Style/tone of exhortation / Author of Hebrews / Neutral/ cautionary
128 authoritative rebuke / Homily 1-34; 2062.168; PG 63 p138, ln 29 / αὐθεντίαν / Bold confront- ation of sin / Peter / positive
129 historical power dynamic of Pharaoh / Homily 1-34; 2062.168; PG 63 p178, ln 39 / αὐθεντίαν / Joseph/Pharoah relationship / Pharaoh / neutral
2.78&9 Jesus acts sovereignly w inherent Divine power / Homily 1-34; 2062.168; PG 63 p178, ln 40 / 2x αὐθεντικῶς / Jesus & God the Father / Jesus Christ / positive
CHRYSOSTOM'S In Psalmum 50
130 God's authority/ mercy is greater than the laws power over people / Homily 2 (spurious), 2062.200, PG 55, p579, ln 16 / αὐθεντίαι / Psalm 50/51 / laws / neutral/ spurious
CHRYSOSTOM'S In Psalmum 92 [Spurious.]
131 rule/master / 2062.203; PG 55, p615, ln 5 / αὐθεντῶ / Adam & the fall / Adam / negative/ spurious
CHRYSOSTOM'S In Genesim (sermo 3) [Spurious.]
132 rule/master / 2062.216; PG 56, p533, ln 20 / Adam & Eve/ezer / negative/ spurious
THE END of my list!
TBC with a few follow up thoughts...
Hope this list helps a bit to get a big picture of the various contexts Chrysostom used the authente family in.
The big debate still going on in Chrysostom's time was the equality and deity of Jesus Christ to God the Father, so many of his uses support Jesus' equality as the Son of God and is addressing the enemies of the truth regarding the 325 AD Nicene Council debate.
Authente and exousia were paired together sometimes, so the exousia was the authority to speak truth, but the authente was the bold, strong, firm force confronting false teaching with the truth. Chrysostom tended toward cessationism, believing the miraculous (unexplainable?) gifts of the Spirit such as prophecy had ended. It's possible he was using authente as a replacement for what was actually prophetic speech of Paul / speaking truth to power.
Feel free to do your own research and let me know if anything you find does not agree with what I shared!
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