Topical Encyclopedia Commending, in the biblical context, refers to the act of entrusting, praising, or recommending someone or something to another, often in a spiritual or moral sense. This concept is seen throughout Scripture, where individuals are commended to God, to the grace of God, or to the service of the church. It involves a recognition of character, faith, or service that is worthy of acknowledgment and trust.Biblical Instances of Commending: 1. Commending to God: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently uses the term "commend" in the context of entrusting believers to God's care. In Acts 20:32, Paul says, "And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified." Here, Paul is entrusting the Ephesian elders to God's protection and guidance, recognizing that it is through God's grace that they will be strengthened and receive their spiritual inheritance. 2. Commending to the Grace of God: The act of commending is also seen in the context of missionary work and the spread of the Gospel. In Acts 14:26, Paul and Barnabas are described as having been "commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed." This indicates a formal recognition and entrustment of their mission to God's grace, acknowledging that their success and protection come from Him. 3. Commending Individuals: Paul often commends individuals to the churches in his epistles, highlighting their faithfulness and service. In Romans 16:1-2, he writes, "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in any matter she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me." Here, Paul is recommending Phoebe to the Roman church, affirming her character and service. 4. Commending Oneself: The concept of self-commendation is addressed by Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:18, where he states, "For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." This highlights the importance of seeking God's approval rather than self-promotion, emphasizing that true commendation comes from the Lord. 5. Commending in Suffering: In 1 Peter 2:23, Jesus is presented as the ultimate example of commending oneself to God in the face of suffering: "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." This act of entrusting oneself to God during trials is a profound expression of faith and trust in God's righteous judgment. Theological Implications: Commending in the biblical sense underscores the importance of trust and reliance on God. It reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty and grace in the lives of believers. Whether it is commending others to God's care, acknowledging the work of fellow believers, or entrusting oneself to God in times of trial, the act of commending is deeply rooted in faith and the acknowledgment of God's ultimate authority and goodness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Commend.Greek 4921. sunistemi and sunistano -- to commend, establish, stand near ... ... Word Origin from sun and histemi Definition to commend, establish, stand near, consist NASB Word Usage commend (3), commended (1), commending (3), commends (2 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4921.htm - 8k Library But Whereas the Apostle, when Commending the Fruit of Unmarried ... The Author Himself, However, when Commending These Rules... The Hands of the Father. The Unjust Steward On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 53, "Except Ye Eat the Flesh ... How a Prop of the Church on which Bishop Aidan was Leaning when He ... Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law. Intercessory Prayer Of the Sensible Showing of the Holy Spirit, and of the Coeternity ... 2 Cor. vi. 1, 2 Thesaurus Commending (4 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Commend. Multi-Version Concordance Commending (4 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 4:2 But ... /c/commending.htm - 7k Commend (22 Occurrences) Ourselves (129 Occurrences) Essenes Man's (347 Occurrences) Underhanded (1 Occurrence) Glorying (27 Occurrences) Wherewith (182 Occurrences) Falsifying (2 Occurrences) Furnishing (3 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to praise the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgAre there beheadings recorded in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was Jesus' message to the church in Smyrna in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Commending: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Commending (4 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 4:2 2 Corinthians 5:12 2 Corinthians 6:4 2 Corinthians 10:18 Subtopics Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Recommendation (2 Occurrences) |