Since the time of Adam, his descendants have chaffed under God's authority. It was true of Israel, God's chosen people, and it has been true of the church, God's elect. Rejection of authority invariably leads to problems and chaos. Jay Adams shows us how a Biblical understanding of authority can bring joy and peace to His people.

This book brings together two shorter books Jay Adams published shortly after he retired from pastoral ministry. In the first, The Place of Authority in Christ's Church, he explains what Biblical authority is and how believers are to exercise it and live under it.

In the second book, The Use of the Rod and Staff, he shows how God has equipped His leaders, elders and pastors, to exercise their God given authority in the church. The Biblical imagery of the Shepherd watching over and guarding his flock is instructive, and Adams encourages church leaders to both boldly and gently use the tools God has given them to lead His sheep safely to pleasant green pastures.