2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Now then {G3767} we are ambassadors {G4243} for {G5228} Christ {G5547}, as though {G5613} God {G2316} did beseech {G3870} you by {G1223} us {G2257}: we pray {G1189} you in {G5228} Christ's {G5547} stead {G5228}, be ye reconciled {G2644} to God {G2316}.

Therefore we are ambassadors of the Messiah; in effect, God is making his appeal through us. What we do is appeal on behalf of the Messiah, “Be reconciled to God!

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.

We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.

Commentary

This powerful verse from 2 Corinthians encapsulates the core mission and identity of believers in Christ. Paul describes Christians as official representatives of God, carrying His vital message to the world.

Context

Located within 2 Corinthians chapter 5, this verse follows Paul's discussion about the believer's eternal dwelling with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:1-8), being motivated by the fear and love of God (2 Corinthians 5:9-11), and the transformative power of being "in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:17). The preceding verses specifically introduce the concept of the "ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), where God has entrusted believers with the message that He is no longer counting men's sins against them through Christ. Verse 20 then explicitly defines the role of those who carry this message.

Key Themes

  • Ambassadorship for Christ: Believers are appointed representatives of Christ on earth. Like political ambassadors who represent their sovereign nation in a foreign land, Christians represent the kingdom of God in the world, which is not their ultimate home.
  • God's Plea Through Believers: The verse states that God is "beseeching" or pleading through believers. This highlights the divine urgency and heart behind the message; it is not merely a human endeavor but God Himself reaching out to humanity through His people.
  • Acting in Christ's Stead: Believers are called to speak and act as if Christ Himself were doing so. This implies carrying His authority, love, and truth, delivering the message of reconciliation with the same heart Christ would.
  • The Call to Reconciliation: The central message delivered by these ambassadors is "be ye reconciled to God." This is an appeal to humanity, estranged from God by sin, to return to a right relationship with Him, made possible through Christ's atoning work (as highlighted in the very next verse, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "ambassadors" is presbeuō (πρεσβεύω), which means "to be an ambassador, to represent as an ambassador." It implies a position of trust and authority, acting on behalf of a higher power. The word for "reconciled" is katallassō (καταλλάσσω), meaning "to change or exchange, especially to reconcile to favor." It speaks of restoring a relationship that was broken, turning enemies into friends.

Reflection

2 Corinthians 5:20 reminds every Christian of their profound calling and responsibility. We are not merely individuals with private faith, but official representatives of the King of Kings. Our lives and words should reflect the one whom we represent. The message we carry is one of incredible grace – the opportunity for reconciliation with a holy God, made possible only through Jesus Christ. This verse urges us to embrace this identity and earnestly participate in God's ongoing work of inviting the world back into relationship with Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 14:23 (26 votes)

    And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.

  • Ephesians 6:20 (22 votes)

    For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

  • Malachi 2:7 (15 votes)

    For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:11 (12 votes)

    Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

  • John 20:21 (12 votes)

    Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

  • Isaiah 55:6 (12 votes)

    ¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

  • Isaiah 55:7 (12 votes)

    Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.