Keraia
2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 5:20

Ambassadors for Christ · 2 Corinthians 5:11–21
Read 2 Corinthians 5

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is appealing through us. We implore on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.
Latin
Pro Christo ergo legatione fungimur, tamquam Deo exhortante per nos. Obsecramus pro Christo, reconciliamini Deo.

Original

Greek
English
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.

Notes

2 Corinthians 5:20

  • The great privilege of believers is to be Christ’s ambassadors (compare Ephesians 6:20).

  • as though God were making His appeal through us: Paul does not claim to speak for God. Instead, God speaks through us.

  • Christ’s redeeming work for sinners allows them to "Be reconciled to God" (see Romans 5:1–11; Ephesians 2:11–22; Colossians 1:15–23). Christian witness centers on this appeal. Paul also urged the rebellious Corinthians to join his side (see 2 Corinthians 6:1).

2 Corinthians 5:18–21

  • God gives his servants the message and ministry of reconciliation through Christ.

  • God has given us the task of reconciling people. Paul speaks of his own ministry, but sharing this message is the responsibility of all believers. Christ’s ambassadors call people to accept what God has done so they can be made right with God through Christ.

  • Christ paid the penalty for people’s sins to remove all barriers between God and humans and to make us right with God.

2 Corinthians 5:11–7:4

Paul explains the main theme of his message: reconciliation. This means turning enemies into friends and restoring relationships. Paul's ideas are based on what God did through Christ to reconcile sinners to Himself (5:18–21). He presents this explanation while defending his own ministry (5:11–17) and applying his message to the situation in Corinth (6:1–7:4).

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Ambassador Bible Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Day of Atonement Glorification Gospel Judgment Seat Priesthood Reconciliation Rest Second Letter to the Corinthians Sin

Topics

Ambassadors: Figurative Christian Minister: Call of Christian Minister: Called: Ambassadors for Christ Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Christian Minister: Duties of God: Love of, Exemplified Ministers: Ambassadors for Christ Reconciliation with God: Ministers, in Christ's Stead, should Beseech Men to Seek Reconciliation: Between God and Man Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Atonement: Ministers should Fully Set Forth The Atonement: Reconciliation to God Effected By The Call of God by his Ministers Titles and Names of Ministers: Ambassadors for Christ