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So understanding the subject matter makes one an authority. I see. What if his understanding is full, but also very wrong? For example, he can say, "I know that the bible says..." but then draw all the wrong conclusions too.

I have to laugh at this "splitting hairs" by you (in terms of the word "authority") because anyone and their dog knows that if one were to go into a court case and call in so-called "authorities" you could practically buy any authority you wanted for any viewpoint. Thus, what you say is totally irrelevant in terms of describing the word (and term) authority.

But, having said that -- there is definitely a concern for the truth -- no matter if one is an authority or not. And I think I answered that issue (i.e., the one about "truth") in post #62. That pretty much covers the issue.

Let me also say that the "authority of the inspired word of God" is not what we're talking about here. The question was simply "What makes him an authority?"

No person is "inspired of God" today, since the cannon of Scripture is closed. Thus, the authority that resides in Scripture (which is full and complete) is not what we're talking about here in terms of "What makes a person an authority?" That's a pretty general question and gets a pretty general answer.

My general answer stands.

Perhaps -- on the other hand -- maybe what one was really asking is how we can tell a wrong interpretation of Scripture from a right one? If that's it, then it gets a different answer (which I did not address, there).

In general terms, that's right. I don't know where you've been for the last few years -- but unless you haven't noticed -- there are lots of "authorities" (and recognized ones) who disagree with each other. Thus the diagreement with each other doesn't make them be "considered" any less of an authority -- even though they can be saying totally opposite things to each other.
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My general answer stands.

Perhaps -- on the other hand -- maybe what one was really asking is how we can tell a wrong interpretation of Scripture from a right one? If that's it, then it gets a different answer (which I did not address, there).

Well, okay, so now we understand what YOU mean by "authority". But now let's look at what the word really means, shall we? Here are a couple of them that might apply to this discussion, the others have more to do with law and government.

Confidence derived from experience or practice; firm self-assurance:

Well, given that, perhaps you are right. Perhaps having "firm self assurance" is enough to make one an authority. Then even an athiest is an "authority". Give me a break. Let's look further...

Justification; grounds

Here we see that you must be accurate or you have no grounds to make a claim, you cannot justify your position. Of course, you could perhaps say that if you can quote a scripture as the justification or grounds for your claim, then you are an authority. But then what does that lead to? Anyone that can quote any verse can make it say anything they want it to say. After all, they justified their position by pointing to a verse in the bible.

A conclusive statement or decision that may be taken as a guide or precedent.

Ah, here we go. A decision that can help guide others. Now we see that to be an authority, you had better be right!