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Matthew 28:18 (YLT):

18 And having come near, Jesus spake to them, saying, 'Given to me was all authority (ἐξουσία) in heaven and on earth

Mar 13:25-26 (YLT):

25 and the stars of the heaven shall be falling, and the powers (δυνάμεις) that are in the heavens shall be shaken.
26 'And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in clouds with much power (δυνάμεως) and glory

Is “power” from Mark's verse 26 a something visible, some extraneous thing, or it is an intrinsic quality as the “authority” from Matthew's verse 18?

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The short answer is "No". The two words mean subtly different but related things:

  • δύναμις (dunamis) means the capability to do something
  • ἐξουσία (exousia) means the authority or right to exercise some capability

Note that one might (theoretically) have much capability and power to do something, but without authority to exercise it, it is useless. Jesus had both in unlimited supply.

At Jesus' ascension, He told His disciples that:

  • all authority was given to Him (Matt 28:18)
  • all power/capability was given Him (Acts 1:8)

Thus, while not the same thing, both are essential to do great things. For example, the generals of a powerful army may have at their disposal great power but cannot exercise that power without the proper legal authority granted/instructed by their political masters.

At Jesus' second coming, Jesus will be seen to have great power and glory (= reputation) as recorded in Matt 24:30 and Mark 13:26.

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  • @Dottard Did I get you correctly: you've meant “clouds with much power and glory” here means external thing, in a sense that Jesus' intrinsic capability (dinamis) to that time will become completely manifested, i.e. visible in some way, obvious, not necessarily with literal eyes? If so, then I would generalise, that to see somebody's inner capability, it should somehow have produced results already. Not arguing, just trying to better understand Scripture. I really like your army example, +1. Commented Mar 27 at 18:13
  • Ray - there is a distinction that should be understood between the "Son of God" which refers to the flesh and blood (temple/body) of Jesus and the "Son of Man" which refers to the Heavenly Father dwelling in that temple. The scripture here says the "Son of Man" will be seen coming with much power and glory. In Matthew 17:2 (the transfiguration) it says "He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light." But the "Son of Man" coming with much power and glory will be a sight many times more spectacular. Commented Mar 27 at 19:25
  • From the Wikipedia article of the "Son of Man" (PART 1) in the section "comparison to Son of God": Researchers often see Son of man and Son of God as contrasting titles. Originally, these designations were understood in light of Christ’s two natures: Son of man expressed Jesus’ humanity, while Son of God expressed his divinity. Later scholarship then reversed that evaluation. ......................See Part 2 Commented Mar 27 at 19:39
  • Wikipedia article on "Son of Man" (PART 2): Later scholarship then reversed that evaluation. The title "Son of God" is bestowed on other historical figures like Jacob and Solomon; but the Son of man title is claimed only by Jesus. Son of God came to be recognized as a human being, while Son of man, contrary to intuition, was understood as a heavenly being, alluding to the One mentioned in Daniel 7. Commented Mar 27 at 19:40

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