### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epitropḗ**, represented by `{{G2011}}`, means **commission**. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from ἐπιτρέπω, it signifies permission, which by implication carries the meaning of being granted full power to act.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G2011}}` is found in the book of Acts, where the Apostle Paul recounts his life before his conversion. He describes his journey to Damascus, stating he went "with authority `{{G1849}}` and **commission** from the chief priests `{{G749}}`" [[Acts 26:12]]. In this context, `epitropḗ` is not just simple permission, but the official authorization and delegated power from the highest Jewish religious body to carry out a specific task.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature of this commissioned authority:
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (delegated influence:--authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength): This word is used directly alongside **commission** in [[Acts 26:12]], emphasizing the official power that was granted. Christ declared that all **power** in heaven and earth was given to Him [[Matthew 28:18]], and He grants believers the **power** to become children of God [[John 1:12]].
* `{{G749}}` **archiereús** (the high-priest... by extension a chief priest): This term identifies the source of Paul's earthly **commission**, the **chief priests** [[Acts 26:12]]. This stands in contrast to Jesus, who is described as the great **high priest** of believers [[Hebrews 4:14]].
* `{{G4198}}` **poreúomai** (to traverse, i.e. travel... go): This verb describes the action undertaken with the **commission**. Paul's journey was an act of obedience to the authority that sent him [[Acts 26:12]]. It is the same word Jesus uses in the Great Commission, commanding his followers to **go** and make disciples of all nations [[Matthew 28:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2011}}` is understood through its singular context and the concept of delegated authority it represents.
* **Delegated Authority:** Paul’s mission to Damascus was based on a **commission** from human authorities [[Acts 26:12]]. This earthly delegation serves as a foil to the divine commission he would soon receive directly from Christ, highlighting the difference between human-derived and God-given authority. Believers are also given **power** `{{G1849}}` from God [[John 1:12]].
* **Source of Commission:** The authority for Paul's initial mission originated with the **chief priests** `{{G749}}`, the established religious power. This contrasts with the New Covenant, where the ultimate authority and source of any spiritual commission is Jesus Christ, the merciful and faithful **high priest** [[Hebrews 2:17]].
* **Mission and Purpose:** The purpose of the **commission** was to persecute the followers of Christ. This purpose was divinely interrupted and transformed, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to overrule human mandates and establish his own purposes, as seen when Paul is called to turn people from the **power** `{{G1849}}` of Satan to God [[Acts 26:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2011}}` is a rare but significant term for **commission**. Its sole appearance in scripture defines an officially sanctioned mission granted with full power by a ruling body. While its direct context is a human-to-human delegation of authority, it illuminates the broader biblical themes of mission, purpose, and the ultimate source of all true spiritual authority, which flows not from men but from God.
TRV