Many sincere believers want to obey the Lord.
They want to preach the gospel.
They want to follow Christ’s commands.
They want to fulfill “the Great Commission.”
But here is an important question we must ask:
Which commission are you obeying?
Because when we open the Bible and read carefully, we discover something many people overlook.
There is an earthly commission connected to Israel’s kingdom program.
And there is a heavenly commission revealed later through the Apostle Paul for the Body of Christ.
Understanding the difference is not about creating division.
It is about rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
And when we do that, Scripture becomes clearer, not more confusing.
▪️The Earthly Commission
When the risen Lord spoke to the Twelve in Acts 1:8, He gave them a very specific mission:
“Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Notice the pattern.
It is geographic.
It begins in Jerusalem.
It expands outward through Israel’s territory.
This commission was tied to the kingdom promised to Israel.
The apostles expected the restoration of that kingdom, which is why they asked in the very same chapter:
“Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)
Their focus was not heaven.
Their focus was the earthly kingdom promised to the nation of Israel.
The commission matched that program.
▪️But Then Something Unexpected Happened
Israel rejected the message.
Stephen was stoned in Acts 7.
Instead of bringing in wrath and the Tribulation, God did something astonishing.
He saved Saul of Tarsus.
And through Paul, the Lord revealed something that had been hidden from prophecy:
“The dispensation of the grace of God.” (Ephesians 3:2)
Paul calls it a mystery — something:
“Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men.” (Ephesians 3:5)
This was not simply an extension of the kingdom program.
This was a new dispensation.
A new message.
A new apostle.
A new commission.
▪️The Heavenly Commission
Paul describes his ministry this way:
“I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” (Romans 11:13)
His mission was not centered in Jerusalem.
It was sent to the Gentile world.
And the hope connected to this message is not an earthly kingdom.
It is a heavenly calling.
Paul writes:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)
Notice the difference.
Israel’s hope:
• Earthly kingdom
• Throne of David
• Nations blessed through Israel
The Body of Christ’s hope:
• Heavenly places
• Union with Christ
• A calling above, not on the earth
Two programs.
Two callings.
One faithful God working in different administrations.
▪️Why This Matters
If we mix the commissions, confusion follows.
People begin asking questions like:
• Are we required to sell everything like Acts believers did?
• Are we supposed to preach the kingdom gospel?
• Should we expect signs and miracles?
But when we recognize the distinct commission given to Paul, clarity returns.
Our message today is simple and glorious:
“Christ died for our sins…
He was buried…
He rose again the third day.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)
And our mission is clear:
“To make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery.” (Ephesians 3:9)
Not preparing the world for an earthly kingdom.
But calling people into the Body of Christ during this Dispensation of Grace.
▪️So Ask Yourself Honestly
Which commission are you obeying?
The earthly kingdom commission given to the Twelve?
Or the heavenly ministry committed to Paul?
When we see the difference, the Bible opens with remarkable clarity.
Prophecy fits.
Grace shines.
Christ’s work becomes even more glorious.
And we can serve the Lord with confidence — knowing we are laboring according to the commission He gave for today.
Stand fast in that grace.
Preach Christ crucified (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
And rejoice in the heavenly calling God has given to the Body of Christ.
