Book Review: All Authority by Joey Shaw

Before Jesus ascended to the Father, he told the disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).

This passage has been called the Great Commission which is to make disciples from every nation, tribe, and tongue. Many Christians in the last 2,000 years have gone out and did just that. Notice Jesus said that all authority was given to Him. This world has seen authority used in many ways. Some have seen it used appropriately while others have seen some abuse their authority.

How does Jesus's authority relate to the Great Commission? Joey Shaw, who is the director for the International Field Office with the Austin Stone Church, has written a book to examine this very question called, All Authority. In the book, Shaw looks at the supremacy of Jesus's authority through the pages of Scripture. He then breaks down elements of the Great Commission as it relates to Jesus's authority. Shaw also looks at the threefold office Christ holds, prophet, priest, and king, and how He holds authority in each office.

Shaw also addresses what can keep a person from accepting the authority of Jesus. We have seen many reject authority for various reasons, so it comes to no surprise that many will reject the authority of Jesus. Shaw nails it at the main focal point to what will cause us to reject the authority of Christ and that is the human heart. Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is sick. Jesus even knew what was in man's hearts which has been corrupted since the fall of man. The good news is Jesus can redeem us and the Spirit can regenerate us to accept Christ's authority.

This book is about evangelism but it is also a theological look at how the authority of Christ goes hand-in-hand in making disciples. Those going to the mission field will be blessed by this book. Church leaders should read this book and read it together with people in the church as they go about their day-to-day lives.

Thanks B&H Publishing Group for letting me review this book.