Topical Bible: Ministers: Commissioned by Christ

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, the concept of ministers commissioned by Christ is foundational to the establishment and growth of the early Church. The term "minister" in the biblical context often refers to those who are called to serve in various capacities within the body of Christ, fulfilling roles of leadership, teaching, and service. This commissioning is rooted in the authority and directive of Jesus Christ Himself, who appointed His followers to continue His work on earth.

The Great Commission

The most explicit commissioning of ministers by Christ is found in the Great Commission, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus, after His resurrection, appeared to His disciples and instructed them: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). This command not only establishes the mission of the Church but also empowers its ministers to spread the Gospel and teach the commandments of Christ.

Apostolic Commissioning

The apostles, as the first ministers of the Church, were directly commissioned by Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus breathes on the disciples and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld" (John 20:22-23). This act signifies the impartation of spiritual authority and responsibility to the apostles, marking them as Christ's representatives on earth.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The commissioning of ministers is closely tied to the work 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" . The Holy Spirit empowers and equips ministers to fulfill their calling, providing them with the necessary gifts and guidance to carry out their mission.

Paul's Apostolic Ministry

The Apostle Paul serves as a prime example of a minister commissioned by Christ. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul asserts his divine commissioning: "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead" (Galatians 1:1). Paul's ministry, characterized by missionary journeys, church planting, and epistolary instruction, underscores the transformative impact of Christ's commissioning.

Qualifications and Responsibilities

The New Testament outlines specific qualifications and responsibilities for those who serve as ministers. In his pastoral epistles, Paul provides guidance on the character and duties of church leaders. For instance, in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul lists the qualifications for overseers, emphasizing traits such as being "above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach" . These qualifications ensure that ministers lead with integrity and are capable of teaching sound doctrine.

Servant Leadership

The model of ministry established by Christ is one of servant leadership. Jesus Himself exemplified this when He washed the feet of His disciples, saying, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14). Ministers are called to serve others humbly, prioritizing the needs of the congregation and the advancement of the Gospel over personal ambition.

Conclusion

The commissioning of ministers by Christ is a divine mandate that continues to shape the Church's mission and structure. Through the authority of Christ, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and adherence to biblical qualifications, ministers are equipped to lead, teach, and serve the body of Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission until His return.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 28:19
Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Peculiarities of Tennessee Synod.
... How many pious ministers heretofore have preached the Gospel in remote parts, without
such a provision. Men who are commissioned by Christ to preach the Gospel ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/peculiarities of tennessee synod.htm

The Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.
... He calls and anoints ministers for their holy office, qualifies all other ... faith cometh
by hearing the Word of God, Christ hath commissioned His Church to ...
/.../the presbyterian church in the.htm

Apollos at Corinth
... sin and is quickened to new life in Christ, divine love ... brethren the fact that he
and the ministers associated with him were but men commissioned by God ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 26 apollos at corinth.htm

Galatians Chapter I.
... when I say Paul, I mean Christ, who directed ... though mighty, are but servants and
ministers, but the ... swerving from the message they were commissioned to deliver ...
/.../galatians chapter i.htm

Definiteness of Purpose in Christian Work
... spirit of the Christian"yet they were commissioned to be ... times at least remind them
of Christ, something is ... The ministers were preaching in turn each day and ...
/.../chapman/and judas iscariot/definiteness of purpose in christian.htm

The Westminster Standards in America.
... have authority from God to rule, in subserviency to the kingdom of Christ. ... of the
same year, adopted by a convention of 98 commissioned ministers and 58 laymen ...
/.../ 98 the westminster standards.htm

The Life of Mr. Alexander Henderson.
... in any church; whereupon the three ministers resolved to ... he was one of those
commissioned for the church ... thankful and labour to exalt Christ's throne.""Some ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander.htm

Presbyterians.
... in virtue of the commission which Christ gave his ... each presbytery annually, and
specially commissioned to deliberate ... having more than twelve ministers, may send ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/presbyterians.htm

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... to you made great pretentions to being commissioned of Christ ... the offices of a being
of another order"Christ. ... suffer than to have their ministers and pastors ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He ...
... were regarded as God's delegates or ministers, and as ... the Deity, how much less did
Christ blaspheme in ... God." Compare Luke 3:2, where John was commissioned. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxviii feast of the dedication.htm