The word authority implies that there is power, and it is usually bestowed upon a person or persons.
But quite often, when the power that comes with the authority is abused, then it becomes unpleasantly overpowering, domineering and dominating.
But it cannot be denied that only with authority, can there be power.
In the 1st reading, the rulers, the elders, the scribes and all the members of the high-priestly families were gathered for a particular purpose.
They were faced with a phenomenon, and they could see that there was a power that came forth from Peter and John.
It was a power that brought about the healing of a crippled man.
But they also know that the power does not originate from the apostles themselves.
Therefore they asked the apostles this question: By what power, and by whose name have you men done this?
And Peter, filled with Holy Spirit, gladly told them that it was Jesus the Nazarene, whom they rejected and crucified.
We too are filled with Holy Spirit and we are given the power of love to be witnesses and to bring out peace and healing for others.
In all we do and say, may others be able to see that it is done and said with the authority of Jesus.