The Commissioning of Believers is a foundational concept in Christian theology, emphasizing the responsibility and authority given to followers of Jesus Christ to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. This commissioning is rooted in several key passages of Scripture, most notably the Great Commission found in the New Testament.

The Great Commission

The most explicit commissioning of believers is found in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus, after His resurrection, instructs His disciples: "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 passage underscores the universal scope of the mission, the Trinitarian formula for baptism, and the promise of Christ's continual presence.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

The commissioning is closely linked with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "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 empowerment is essential for the effective fulfillment of the commission, as it provides believers with the necessary spiritual gifts and boldness to proclaim the Gospel.

The Role of the Apostles

The apostles serve as the primary examples of commissioned believers in the early church. Their actions in the Book of Acts demonstrate the practical outworking of the commission. They preached, performed miracles, and established churches, adhering to the command to make disciples and teach them to obey Christ's teachings. The apostolic model serves as a template for all believers, emphasizing the importance of both proclamation and discipleship.

The Commission in the Epistles

The New Testament epistles further elaborate on the commissioning of believers. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, Paul describes believers as "ambassadors for Christ," entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. This passage highlights the responsibility of believers to represent Christ and His message of reconciliation to the world. Similarly, in Ephesians 4:11-13, the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are described as equipping the saints for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ.

The Universal Call

While the original commissioning was directed to the apostles, the New Testament makes it clear that all believers share in this mission. 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" . This verse affirms the priestly and prophetic role of all Christians, tasked with declaring God's praises and sharing the Gospel.

The Urgency and Motivation

The urgency of the commission is driven by the reality of Christ's return and the eternal destiny of souls. In 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Paul charges Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction" . This charge reflects the seriousness and immediacy of the task, motivating believers to remain steadfast and diligent in their mission.

Conclusion

The Commissioning of Believers is a central tenet of the Christian faith, calling all followers of Christ to participate in the redemptive mission of God. Through the authority of Christ, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the example of the apostles, believers are equipped and sent to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and teach obedience to Christ's commands, fulfilling their role as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God.