Topical Encyclopedia The term "commenced" refers to the beginning or initiation of an action, event, or process. In the context of the Bible, the concept of commencement is significant as it marks the start of God's creative work, the initiation of covenants, the beginning of ministries, and the unfolding of divine plans throughout biblical history.Creation and Commencement The Bible opens with the commencement of the universe, as described in Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This verse marks the initiation of time and the material world, highlighting God's sovereign power and authority as the Creator. The commencement of creation sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Covenants and New Beginnings Throughout the Scriptures, God initiates covenants with His people, marking new beginnings in His relationship with them. For instance, the covenant with Noah after the flood signifies a fresh start for humanity. Genesis 9:11 states, "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." Similarly, the covenant with Abraham marks the commencement of a chosen people through whom God would bless all nations. Genesis 12:1-3 records God's call to Abram, initiating a new chapter in the divine narrative: "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you." Ministries and Missions The commencement of ministries is a recurring theme in the New Testament. The ministry of Jesus Christ begins with His baptism, as described in Matthew 3:16-17: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" The early church's mission commenced at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to spread the Gospel. Acts 2:4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Personal Commencements The Bible also speaks to personal commencements, such as the beginning of a believer's new life in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This verse emphasizes the transformative power of faith and the commencement of a new spiritual journey. Conclusion The concept of commencement in the Bible underscores the importance of beginnings in God's divine plan. Whether through creation, covenants, ministries, or personal transformation, the initiation of new events and relationships reflects God's ongoing work in the world and in the lives of His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Commence.Library Wesleyan Mission Commenced at Goobbe. The Writer Sums up the Argument He had Commenced... An Objection Anticipated Before the Discussion Above Promised is ... Of the Ages of Vain Superstitions, and the Times at which they ... The Jews, Afflicted with Innumerable Evils, Commenced the Last War ... American Baptist Board of Foreign Missions. Moravian Missions. God Rejoicing in the New Creation Church Union. London Missionary Society. Thesaurus Commenced (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Commenced (3 Occurrences). ... John 7:14 But when the Festival was already half over, Jesus went up to the Temple and commenced teaching. ... /c/commenced.htm - 7k Samuel (129 Occurrences) Money (284 Occurrences) Commencement (22 Occurrences) Zeus (3 Occurrences) Keilah (16 Occurrences) Kadesh (30 Occurrences) Numerous (88 Occurrences) Untoward (1 Occurrence) Off-hand (1 Occurrence) Resources What are phylacteries? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Jehovah-Nissi? | GotQuestions.org In what year did Jesus die? | GotQuestions.org Commenced: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Commenced (3 Occurrences)Luke 11:53 John 7:14 2 Corinthians 8:6 Subtopics Related Terms |