Final answer:
The local authority in 1st-century Palestine was found in the cities and villages through local rule and town-hall meetings. The people had some level of self-governance and made decisions collectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1st-century Palestine, the local authority resided in the cities and villages through local rule and town-hall meetings. This means that the people who lived in these close-knit communities had some level of self-governance and made decisions collectively.
The Romans had their officials and military present in some cities, but the local government remained semi-autonomous. It's important to note that the temple in Jerusalem was also a central place of authority with priests organizing religious festivals and performing rituals.