Ambassadors for Christ: A Call to Live for Jesus

The Concept of Ambassadors in the Old Testament

The Old Testament establishes the idea of representation through roles like prophets and priests, who mediated between God and Israel, prefiguring the Christian calling to be ambassadors for Christ.

Prophets such as Elijah conveyed divine messages to nations (1 Kings 17:1), while priests like Aaron offered sacrifices on behalf of the people (Leviticus 9:7), both embodying themes of standing in for others. These roles highlight the biblical foundation for believers’ mission to represent Christ in the world.

Jesus as the Ultimate Ambassador in 2 Corinthians 5:20

Building on the biblical tradition of representation, Paul redefines the mission of Christ’s followers as ambassadors tasked with reconciling humanity to God through Jesus’ redemptive work.

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes, *‘We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God’* (2 Corinthians 5:20). Here, ‘ambassadors’ (Greek: *apostolos*) denotes representatives entrusted with a divine mission to mediate reconciliation. Unlike political envoys, Christ’s ambassadors do not negotiate terms but proclaim a settled resolution: God’s initiative to restore broken relationships through Jesus’ sacrifice. This role positions believers as co-laborers in a cosmic reconciliation already achieved on the cross.

The concept of reconciliation (*katalagē* in Greek) signifies the restoration of harmony between estranged parties—specifically, between God and humanity fractured by sin. Jesus’ death on the cross (5:21) serves as the foundational act of atonement, empowering ambassadors to call others into alignment with this restored relationship. This section sets the stage for exploring how believers embody this reconciling ministry in practical terms.

Living as Ambassadors for Christ Today

This identity compels believers to live with intentional purpose, reflecting Christ's reconciling mission in word and deed.

As ambassadors, our mission centers on evangelism (2 Corinthians 5:20), calling others to reconciliation through proclamation and example, while ethical living demands consistency between our testimony and conduct. The weight of this responsibility lies in representing not human interests but God’s transformative grace, which reshapes how we engage conflicts and cultural divides.

Practically, reconciliation manifests as bridging racial, social, and ideological gaps with the humility of the cross—seeking restoration over victory. This embodied ministry prepares readers for deeper exploration of how such identity navigates modern ethical complexities.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding, explore how stewardship and the ministry of reconciliation expand the role of Christ's ambassadors.

Consider 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 on stewardship and 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, which states, 'All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ... and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.' Paul's diplomatic language also reflects ancient concepts of envoys, emphasizing believers' unique role in mediating God's peace.