ἐπιτροπή

commission, full power

Definition

ἐπιτροπή refers to a formal authorization or commission granting someone the full power and authority to act on behalf of another. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes the official permission or mandate given by a higher authority, such as a religious or governmental body, to carry out a particular task. The term implies a transfer of decision-making power, where the recipient is entrusted to act with the same legitimacy as the one who granted it. This is seen in its sole biblical occurrence in Acts 26:12, where Paul describes traveling to Damascus 'with authority and commission (ἐπιτροπή) from the chief priests.'

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 26:12. In this context, it describes the official, legal authorization Paul (then Saul) received from the Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem to persecute Christians in Damascus. The usage highlights a formal, delegated power from a recognized governing body (the chief priests and council), granting him the right to act as their agent. It is paired with the word for 'authority' (ἐξουσία), emphasizing the legal and sanctioned nature of his mission.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') and the root related to τρέπω (trepō, 'to turn'). The compound suggests the concept of something being 'turned over to' someone, hence an entrustment or delegation. It is related to the noun ἐπίτροπος (epitropos), meaning a steward, manager, or guardian—someone who has been given charge over affairs. Thus, ἐπιτροπή is the abstract noun for the act of granting that charge or the commission itself.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word is theologically significant as it underscores the theme of divinely redirected authority. Paul’s 'commission' from the chief priests was human and misguided, aimed at destroying the church. This contrasts powerfully with the divine commission he later receives directly from the risen Christ (Acts 26:16-18) to preach the gospel. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Acts 26 by highlighting the irony and transformation: the authority he once wielded against Christians becomes the very framework for his apostolic calling, now under Christ's ultimate authority.

In the Greco-Roman world, ἐπιτροπή was a legal and administrative term for a formal grant of power, often used in contexts of guardianship, estate management, or official delegations. In a Jewish context, as seen in Acts, it would refer to an authorization from the Sanhedrin or high priestly authority, granting someone the right to act as their official agent, even in diaspora communities. This differs from a modern informal 'permission'; it was a serious transfer of legal and religious jurisdiction, carrying the full weight of the issuing body.

ἐξουσία (exousia, G1849) — broader term for authority or power in general, often inherent or positional; ἐπιτροπή is a specific commission derived from such authority. προσταγή (prostagē, G2003) — an order or command, focusing more on the directive than the delegated power to execute it. διακονία (diakonia, G1248) — service or ministry, emphasizing the act of serving rather than the official authorization.

Word Details

Scripture References