Tables and Illustrations
Series Preface
Prelude: A Prayer of Confession
Introduction: Our Angst about Authority
 
Part I: What Is Authority?
Chapter 1: Authority Is God’s Good Gift for Sharing His Rule and Glory
Chapter 2: Authority Is Satan’s Sinister Scheme for Supplanting God
Chapter 3: Authority Is Christ’s Claim to Rescue and Redeem
 
Part II: What Is Submission?
Chapter 4: Submission Is the Path to Growth, Authority, and Likeness to the God-Man
Chapter 5: Submission Is Never Absolute and Always Has Limits
 
Part III: How Does Good Authority Work? Five Principles
Chapter 6: It Is Not Unaccountable, but Submits to a Higher Authority
Chapter 7: It Doesn’t Steal Life, but Creates It
Chapter 8: It Is Not Unteachable, but Seeks Wisdom
Chapter 9: It Is neither Permissive nor Authoritarian, but Administers Discipline
Chapter 10: It Is Not Self-Protective, but Bears the Costs 
 
Part IV: What Does Authority Look Like in Action?
Chapter 11: Two Kinds of Authority: Command and Counsel
Chapter 12: The Husband (Counsel)
Chapter 13: The Parent (Command)
Chapter 14: The Government (Command)
Chapter 15: The Manager (Command)
Chapter 16: The Church (Command)
Chapter 17: The Elder (Counsel)
 
Conclusion: Equality, the Fear of God, and a Reward
Postlude: A Prayer of Praise
General Index
Scripture Index

“Aversion to authority seems to increase with each succeeding generation in America, and the Christian community is not immune. Today’s young adults raised within the church seem even more allergic to hierarchy than those I taught ten years ago in Christian school, and the erosion of trust seems the undeniable motivator. If Satan used falsehoods to play upon the trust of God’s children in the garden, it only makes sense that rehearsing what is true about God’s good intentions will lead to a restoration of our trust in authority. Jonathan Leeman takes readers by the hand and walks patiently through God’s plan for authority and submission outlined in the Scriptures. He deftly clarifies when the role of authority calls for action or restraint, addressing many of the subtle lies that have eroded trust in the institutions of our day.”
Roy Griffith, Headmaster, Rockbridge Academy, Crownsville, Maryland

“In a world where authority is constantly being questioned, Jonathan Leeman reminds us to steward our authority for God’s glory. He helpfully examines both good and bad practices and guides us toward better examples of God-given authority.”
Gordon Reid, President, Stop and Shop LLC

“Thirty-two years of military leadership and six in industry, and still learning! This is a compelling, convicting, and compassionate discourse. Jonathan Leeman uses powerful anecdotes and stories to drive home the principles, truths, and precepts of authority and frames the context for practical application. A must-read for all in and under ‘author-ity’!”
Scott Vander Hamm, Major General, United States Air Force (retired)

“Authority is under attack today because it is deemed to be oppressive. This book is a refreshingly thoughtful study of this theme. It firmly rejects abuse while showing authority to be vital to the proper functioning of society, church, and family. When properly used, authority serves those who are led. This timely book is a sure guide to this contentious subject: biblically faithful, pastorally wise, comprehensive in scope, and full of practical examples.”
Sharon James, Social Policy Analyst, The Christian Institute

“With the heart of a pastor and mind of a theologian, Jonathan Leeman offers a timely perspective on a timeless challenge. Using clear prose and compelling examples, he urges all faithful Christians to consider anew the biblical warrant for authority in every domain of our lives.”
William Inboden, Executive Director, Clements Center for National Security, University of Texas at Austin