Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Commander" as applied to Christ emphasizes His role as a leader and authoritative figure in the spiritual realm. This title underscores His divine authority, strategic oversight, and leadership in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The concept of Christ as Commander is rooted in both Old and New Testament scriptures, where His leadership is portrayed in various aspects of His mission and ministry.
Biblical References:1.
Isaiah 55:4 · "Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples." This prophetic passage highlights the Messiah's role as a divinely appointed leader and commander, tasked with guiding the nations. The context of
Isaiah 55 speaks to the invitation to partake in God's covenant blessings, with the Messiah serving as the authoritative figure who leads and commands the people in righteousness.
2.
Joshua 5:14-15 · While not directly naming Christ, this passage describes the "Commander of the army of the LORD" who appears to Joshua. Many Christian theologians interpret this figure as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, emphasizing His role as the divine leader of God's people. The encounter underscores the holiness and authority of the Commander, as Joshua is instructed to remove his sandals in reverence.
3.
Revelation 19:11-16 · In this apocalyptic vision, Christ is depicted as a warrior riding a white horse, leading the armies of heaven. "He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God" (
Revelation 19:13). This imagery presents Christ as the ultimate Commander, executing judgment and establishing His kingdom. His leadership is characterized by righteousness and truth, and His authority is absolute.
Theological Significance:The title "Commander" reflects Christ's sovereign authority over both the spiritual and earthly realms. As Commander, He directs the course of history and the lives of believers, ensuring the fulfillment of God's purposes. His leadership is not only strategic but also compassionate, as He guides His followers with wisdom and love.
In the spiritual warfare that believers face, Christ as Commander provides strength and direction.
Ephesians 6:10-18 speaks to the armor of God, with Christ as the leader who equips and empowers His people to stand firm against the forces of evil. His role as Commander assures believers of victory through His power and guidance.
Furthermore, the title emphasizes the obedience and allegiance that believers owe to Christ. As the Commander, He calls His followers to submit to His authority and follow His commands, trusting in His perfect leadership and divine plan.
In summary, the title "Commander" ascribed to Christ encapsulates His role as the divine leader and authoritative figure in the spiritual realm, guiding His people with wisdom, executing judgment, and ensuring the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 55:4Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... SEVENTH.-USE AND APPLICATION. Use First.-To consider the dignity God hath put upon
Christ, by offices, places of trust, and titles of honour, in general. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm
The End of the War
... Church,"let us sing hallelujahs to these great names! ... in Egypt the name and sounding
titles of the ... ever seek to deepen our conviction that Christ, and Christ ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of the war.htm
The
... miserable man, thou receivest one of God's titles. ... eternal purpose of salvation through
Christ (Ephesians 1 ... kanonikon) are meant all whose names were registered ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the.htm
part viii.
... the Only-Begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom ... this public protest by
those whose names are under ... teachers, who usurped the sacred titles of Bishops ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm
Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded.
... is love in his looks; the titles of Redeemer ... are now our different judgments,
reproachful names, divided spirits ... see the church and cause of Christ tossed about ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xvi heavenly contemplation exemplified.htm
General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History.
... government of the empire to Constantinople and names the city ... in the church of
Constantinople, [971]107; titles of his ... Hades, descent of Christ into, [1111]61. ...
/.../general index to socrates ecclesiastical.htm
On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... virgin Thekla, and afterwards at this mighty city, thus connecting their names,
no longer ... 3276] Body of Christ, ie, the ... 3375] Hospitable, etc., titles given to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm
Dialogue i. --The Immutable.
... Methodius, bishops and martyrs, and the rest, whose names I will ... But yet Christ is
Power of God. ... of necessity and involuntarily assign the lowly titles to the ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue i the immutable.htm
Concerning Persecution
... shall they be thought worthy, who clip the names of God's people ... It is one of the
titles given to the church, afflicted ... A Christian's strength lies in Christ. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm
St. Gregory the Great.
... in dust and ashes seek for themselves vanitous names: glory in new and profane titles. ...
Thence came Nestorius, who, deeming Jesus Christ, the Mediator of God ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm
Resources
What are the different names and titles of the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the names and titles of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different names and titles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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