There could be different answers for this question depending on context. If you are talking about government, here are the definitions: Council - Towns and cities elect people to represent them in government. They usually elect a Mayor and council members. The number of council members changes from city to city. So Council could be the Town Council (5 members in New York State) or City Council. Committee - used in government and business. A committee is appointed by the governing body to make recommendations and decisions on various issues. A government committee could be elected officials or regular citizens or both. In business a committee is made up of appointed employees. Examples are Environmental Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Public Safety Committee. The committee could be permanent or temporary to study a particular problem. Commission - a group of people appointed to look into a specific problem or do a specific task. Some examples would be the United Nations Commission for Refugees or, the Commission to redesign the Courthouse. Commissions are usually not permanent.

Commission is the most different. Commission is a form wage paid per job or sale. Example: Car sales person makes a salary and commission on every sale. Council is generally a person or group or people that can give guidance. They are typically paid and offer consulations to help you with whatever your situation may be. Example: a lawyer could be a part of a companies legal council. Committees are generally elected people in an organization that make decisions together. They do not have to be but generally are when using this word to describe a group.