In the context of the Bible, "commissions" refer to the authoritative commands or assignments given by God or Jesus Christ to individuals or groups for specific purposes. These commissions often involve the proclamation of God's word, the establishment of His kingdom, or the execution of His will on earth. The concept of divine commissioning is a recurring theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the responsibility and authority bestowed upon God's chosen servants.

Old Testament Commissions

1. Moses' Commission: One of the most significant commissions in the Old Testament is that of Moses. God called Moses from the burning bush, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. In Exodus 3:10 , God says, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." This commission was accompanied by signs and wonders, affirming Moses' authority and God's presence with him.

2. Joshua's Commission: Following Moses' death, Joshua was commissioned to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. In Joshua 1:2-3 , God commands, "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, cross over the Jordan—you and all this people—to the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses." Joshua's commission emphasized courage, obedience, and reliance on God's promises.

3. Prophetic Commissions: The prophets of Israel, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, received commissions to speak God's word to the people. Isaiah's commission is recorded in Isaiah 6:8 : "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" These commissions often involved delivering messages of warning, judgment, and hope.

New Testament Commissions

1. The Great Commission: The most well-known commission in the New Testament is the Great Commission, given by Jesus to His disciples after His resurrection. In Matthew 28:18-20 , Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This commission underscores the global mission of the Church to spread the Gospel.

2. The Apostolic Commission: Jesus also commissioned the apostles to be His witnesses. In Acts 1:8 , He tells them, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This commission was fulfilled as the apostles spread the message of Christ throughout the known world, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

3. Paul's Commission: The Apostle Paul received a unique commission to preach to the Gentiles. In Acts 9:15 , the Lord says to Ananias regarding Paul, "Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel." Paul's commission was marked by missionary journeys, church planting, and the writing of epistles that form a significant portion of the New Testament.

Characteristics of Biblical Commissions

Biblical commissions are characterized by several key elements:

· Divine Authority: Commissions are issued by God or Christ, carrying divine authority and purpose.
· Specific Tasks: They involve specific tasks or missions, often related to leadership, prophecy, or evangelism.
· Empowerment: Those commissioned are often empowered by God's presence, the Holy Spirit, or signs and wonders.
· Obedience and Faithfulness: Successful fulfillment of a commission requires obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.
· Impact on God's Kingdom: Commissions are integral to the advancement of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

Throughout Scripture, commissions serve as pivotal moments where individuals are called to participate in God's work, demonstrating His sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine purposes.649. apostello -- to send, send away
... This verb is used of closely connecting (the sender) to the believers He personally
commissions -- as with John the Baptist (Mk 11:2) and the twelve apostles ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/649.htm - 10k

On an Errand for Jesus.
... Then the evening of that never-to-be-forgotten resurrection day, under wholly changed
conditions, He again commissions ten men of that first twelve. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/on an errand for jesus.htm

Presbyterian Proposals of Union. --
... applause a communication from the Methodist Episcopal Church North looking toward
union; and conferences are being held between its commissions and commissions ...
/.../3 presbyterian proposals of union .htm

Fifth Appearance of Jesus.
... repeats his blessing, and as the New Testament is now sealed in his blood according
to the commission under which he came, he, in turn, commissions the twelve ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxviii fifth appearance of jesus.htm

Excursus on the History of the Roman Law and Its Relation to the ...
... It seems that two commissions of experts were appointed to prepare the
material for this work. One of these commissions compiled ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the history of.htm

A Strain of Sodom.
... Angelical, two, youths in form, who both. Were ministering spirits, [1219] carrying.
The Lord's divine commissions, come beneath. 40 The walls of Sodom. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/2 a strain of sodom.htm

Of Detraction.
... that would be certainly ruinous: that indulgence being perfectly opposite to the
Love of God, which better can consist with the indeliberate commissions of may ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section iv of detraction.htm

The Kingdom Conquering
... (See Hurlbut's Bible Atlas, page 53.). IX.1:8. 24:15 in part: "Choose you this day
whom ye will serve.". X.1. The Two Commissions. 2. 3 and 4. Israel at Jordan. ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iii the kingdom conquering.htm

Note.
... Moreover, the great universities of Europe, though lay corporations, having received
from the Church as well as from the State commissions to teach theology ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/note 2.htm

Strength in the Weak.
... and as often has the reed succumbed to the first blast of temptation, and the burning
flax been well-nigh quenched by guilty omissions and guiltier commissions ...
/.../macduff/the faithful promiser/17th day strength in the.htm

The Tenth Proposition. Concerning the Ministry.
... human commission or literature; as on the other hand, those who want the authority
of this divine gift, however learned or authorized by the commissions of men ...
/.../the tenth proposition concerning the.htm

Commissions (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Commissions (1 Occurrence). Ezra 8:36 They delivered
the king's commissions to the king's satraps, and ...
/c/commissions.htm - 6k

Commissioners (7 Occurrences)

/c/commissioners.htm - 8k

Empire (8 Occurrences)
... Numerous protracted commands and special commissions had accustomed the state to
the novelty of obedience without participation in administration. ...
/e/empire.htm - 80k

Lieutenants (4 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:36 And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants,
and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people ...
/l/lieutenants.htm - 8k

Furthered (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:36 They delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps, and to the
governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God ...
/f/furthered.htm - 7k

Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:36 And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's satraps, and
to the governors beyond the River; and they furthered the people and the house ...
/t/trans-euphrates.htm - 9k

Provinces (40 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:36 They delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps, and to the
governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God ...
/p/provinces.htm - 21k

Commission (11 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) The acting under authority of, or on account of, another. 8. (n.) The thing
to be done as agent for another; as, I have three commissions for the city. ...
/c/commission.htm - 11k

Aided (4 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:36 They delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps, and to the
governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God ...
/a/aided.htm - 7k

Assistance (4 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:36 They delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps, and to the
governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God ...
/a/assistance.htm - 7k

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