What does "commended to the grace of God" teach about reliance on divine grace? Setting the Scene Acts 14:26: “From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.” What “commended” Signifies • Literally “entrusted,” “handed over,” or “placed into the care of.” • The church at Antioch did more than wish Paul and Barnabas good luck; they consciously placed the entire mission in God’s hands. • Implies an act of faith that God alone would supply everything necessary—strength, protection, fruit, and eventual safe return. Grace as the Operational Power • Grace is not only unearned favor for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9); it is also God’s active empowerment for service (1 Corinthians 15:10). • By commending workers to grace, the believers acknowledged that ministry success rests on God’s ability, not human strategy (2 Corinthians 3:5). Reliance Displayed on the Mission Field • Guidance—The Spirit directed every stop (Acts 13:2, 4). • Endurance—Persecution in Iconium and Lystra was survived by grace (Acts 14:3, 19-20). • Results—New disciples and established elders were God’s work (Acts 14:21-23). • Completion—They “completed” what God empowered; grace carries tasks to the finish line (Philippians 1:6). Why Believers Still Commend Themselves to Grace • Our weakness is the stage for God’s strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Self-reliance invites failure; God-reliance guarantees sufficiency (John 15:5). • Grace keeps the glory where it belongs—on the Lord (1 Peter 4:11). Practical Takeaways • Begin every task by consciously entrusting it to God’s grace. • Measure success by faithfulness, trusting grace for outcomes. • Encourage fellow servants by “commending” them to grace instead of merely offering advice. • Expect grace to provide not only mercy but also power, wisdom, and perseverance for every assignment. Summary “Commended to the grace of God” teaches that all Christian labor—its plan, power, progress, and completion—rests squarely on divine grace. Human effort cooperates, but grace carries the decisive weight. |
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