Topical Encyclopedia The term "commendatory" refers to the act of expressing approval or praise, often in the context of recommending someone or something as worthy of trust or acceptance. In the biblical context, commendation is frequently associated with the approval of individuals, actions, or qualities that align with God's will and righteousness.Biblical Usage and Examples 1. Commendation of Individuals: The Bible often highlights individuals who are commended for their faith, righteousness, and service to God. For instance, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently commends fellow believers for their faithfulness and dedication to the work of the Gospel. In Romans 16:1-2 , Paul writes, "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in any matter she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me." 2. Commendation of Faith: Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," commends numerous Old Testament figures for their faith. Hebrews 11:2 states, "This is why the ancients were commended." The chapter goes on to list individuals like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah, who were commended for their unwavering faith in God's promises. 3. Commendation of Actions: Actions that reflect God's character and commands are also commended in Scripture. In 1 Peter 2:19-20 , Peter writes, "For it is commendable if someone endures pain while suffering unjustly because of conscience toward God. But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God." Here, enduring suffering for doing good is highlighted as a commendable act. 4. Commendation of Love and Generosity: Acts of love and generosity are frequently commended in the Bible. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 , Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their generosity: "Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity." Theological Significance Commendation in the Bible is not merely about human approval but is deeply connected to divine approval. It reflects God's acknowledgment of faith, righteousness, and obedience. The commendation of believers serves as an encouragement to live lives that are pleasing to God, knowing that He sees and rewards faithfulness. As seen in 2 Corinthians 10:18 , "For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." Practical Implications For believers, the concept of being commendatory serves as a reminder to seek God's approval above all else. It encourages Christians to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel, striving to be commendable in their faith, actions, and love towards others. The commendation of God is the ultimate affirmation of a life lived in accordance with His will, providing both motivation and assurance to the faithful. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Serving to commend; containing praise or commendation; commending; praising.2. (a.) Holding a benefice in commendam; as, a commendatory bishop. 3. (n.) A commendation; eulogy. Greek 4956. sustatikos -- constructive, commendatory ... constructive, commendatory. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: sustatikos Phonetic Spelling: (soos-tat-ee-kos') Short Definition: commendatory Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4956.htm - 6k Library Commendatory of Christian Union. Examples of Heathens Urged as Commendatory of Widowhood and ... Letter ccxlix. Without Address. Commendatory. Letter cccxiii. [Commendatory of the Interests of Sulpicius. ] Letter cccxii. [Commendatory: Short and Unimportant. ] Letter cccxi. [Commendatory: Short and of no Importance. ] Strange and Unknown Clergymen Without Letters Commendatory from ... We have Decreed that the Poor and those Needing Assistance Shall ... That Bishops Shall not Go Across Seas. Let not Country Presbyters Give Letters Canonical, or Let them ... Thesaurus Commendatory (1 Occurrence)... 2. (a.) Holding a benefice in commendam; as, a commendatory bishop. 3. (n.) A commendation; eulogy. Multi-Version Concordance Commendatory (1 Occurrence). ... /c/commendatory.htm - 7k Commended (12 Occurrences) Tone (9 Occurrences) Envoy (5 Occurrences) Commendation (2 Occurrences) Consist (7 Occurrences) Romans (8 Occurrences) Resources Commendatory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Commendatory (1 Occurrence)2 Corinthians 3:1 Subtopics Related Terms |