In the Bible, “commissioned” refers to being appointed or authorized by God or a leader to carry out a specific task or mission, often seen in the context of spreading the Gospel or serving in ministry. For example, Jesus commissioned His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
Scripture
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 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,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Biblical Meaning of Commissioned
The concept of being “commissioned” in the Bible embodies the divine appointment to undertake a specific purpose that aligns with God’s will. This spiritual mandate often involves spreading the message of the Gospel, serving others, and fulfilling God’s broader redemptive plan for humanity. One of the most significant passages that encapsulates this idea is found in Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to “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.” This moment not only signifies the importance of evangelism and discipleship but also highlights the trust and authority bestowed upon the followers of Christ to carry forth His message across the globe.
Furthermore, the notion of being commissioned transcends individual tasks and underscores the collective responsibility of believers within the Body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul illustrates how Christ has given various roles—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—“to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” This framework emphasizes that being commissioned is not merely about personal mission but also about mutual support and collaboration in advancing God’s kingdom. Ultimately, the biblical idea of being commissioned invites believers to recognize their unique callings and responsibilities, ensuring that they contribute to fulfilling God’s purposes on earth.
The biblical understanding of being commissioned is deeply embedded in the narrative of service and leadership throughout Scripture. The calling of figures such as Moses and Paul illustrates how God selects individuals to lead and guide His people, often in times of transition or turmoil. In Exodus, God commissions Moses at the burning bush, instructing him to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. This divine appointment underscores not only Moses’ personal empowerment but also the collective liberation of a nation, showcasing how one’s commission can have far-reaching implications for others. Similarly, Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus marks a pivotal moment of commissioning where he is set apart as an apostle, tasked with spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles, thereby broadening the scope of God’s message beyond Israel.
Moreover, the concept of commissioning extends to the prophetic tradition, where individuals are called to convey God’s message to His people. Prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah received specific mandates to speak truth to power, call for repentance, and warn of impending judgment, emphasizing that their commissioning was rooted in divine authority to challenge societal norms and lead people back to God. These examples illustrate that commissioning involves more than mere instruction; it entails an entrustment with a divine mission that carries moral and ethical responsibilities. Thus, being commissioned is not solely about the act of sending but encompasses the weight of accountability and the transformative power that accompanies God’s call to action. Each believer is invited into this narrative, encouraged to discover and embrace their unique commission as part of God’s overarching story of redemption.
Divine Authority and Purpose
In the Bible, being commissioned often signifies receiving divine authority and a specific purpose from God. This concept emphasizes that individuals are not merely acting on their own accord but are sent forth with a mandate that aligns with God’s will. This divine commissioning underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out the tasks assigned, reflecting a deeper relationship between the individual and the divine.
Empowerment for Service
Commissioning in a biblical context also involves empowerment for service. Those who are commissioned are equipped with the necessary skills, gifts, and resources to fulfill their God-given tasks. This empowerment is not solely for personal benefit but is intended to serve the community and advance God’s kingdom. It highlights the belief that God enables His followers to accomplish what He has called them to do, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship.
Community and Accountability
Another broader meaning of commissioning is the aspect of community and accountability. When individuals are commissioned, it often occurs within the context of a community of believers. This communal aspect emphasizes that the mission is not just an individual endeavor but a collective one, where support, encouragement, and accountability are vital. The act of commissioning can serve as a reminder that believers are part of a larger body, working together to fulfill God’s purposes in the world.
How to Fulfill Your Divine Purpose with Authority
Fulfilling your divine purpose with authority begins with a deep, personal relationship with God, rooted in prayer and scripture. As you immerse yourself in His Word, you’ll start to discern His voice and understand the unique calling He has placed on your life. Remember, authority comes not from your own strength but from the Holy Spirit working within you. Embrace your gifts and talents, and don’t shy away from stepping out in faith, even when it feels daunting. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and support you, and be open to the guidance of mentors who can help you navigate your journey. Trust that God has equipped you for the tasks ahead, and as you walk in obedience, you’ll find that fulfilling your purpose becomes a powerful testament to His grace and love in your life.
Bible References to Commissioned in Scripture:
Mark 16:15-18: 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Luke 10:1-12: 1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.
5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’
6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.
7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.
8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.
9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say,
11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’
12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
John 20:21-23: 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Acts 1:6-8: 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 13:2-4: 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
Romans 10:13-15: 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
2 Corinthians 5:18-20: 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Ephesians 4:11-13: 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
1 Peter 2:9-10: 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.