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.
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.
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.
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.
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