“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.”
My Notes
What Does 2 Corinthians 5:20 Mean?
Paul describes the ministry of reconciliation with urgency: 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.
We are ambassadors (presbeuo) for Christ — an ambassador is an official representative of a sovereign in a foreign territory. Paul does not represent himself. He represents Christ — carrying his authority, delivering his message, acting on his behalf. The ambassador does not create the message. He delivers it.
As though God did beseech you by us — the astonishing claim: when Paul speaks, God is beseeching. The human voice carries the divine plea. God is not distant or indifferent. He is actively pleading — through his ambassadors — for reconciliation. The word beseech (parakaleo) means to urge, to implore, to entreat. God entreats sinners through human messengers.
We pray you in Christ's stead — pray (deomai) means to beg, to plead. In Christ's stead (huper Christou) — on behalf of Christ, in his place. Paul stands where Christ would stand and says what Christ would say. The ambassador's plea is Christ's plea, delivered through a human voice.
Be ye reconciled to God — the imperative is passive: be reconciled — allow yourself to be reconciled. The reconciliation has already been accomplished (v.18-19, God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself). What remains is the human response: accept the reconciliation that God has provided. The plea is not 'reconcile yourself' (as though you must do the work). It is 'be reconciled' — receive what has already been done.
The verse reveals the astonishing posture of God toward sinners: he does not stand in distant judgment waiting for sinners to grovel. He beseeches. He sends ambassadors. He pleads through human voices. The sovereign of the universe begs rebels to accept the peace he has already purchased.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does it mean to be an 'ambassador for Christ' — and how does that change the authority behind your words?
- 2.How does the image of God 'beseeching' sinners through human messengers reshape your understanding of God's posture toward the lost?
- 3.What does 'be reconciled' (passive) reveal about the nature of reconciliation — something received, not earned?
- 4.How does knowing God pleads for reconciliation change the urgency with which you share the gospel?
Devotional
We are ambassadors for Christ. You are not representing yourself. You are representing him. An ambassador carries the authority of the king who sent them — and you carry the authority of Christ. When you speak the gospel, you are not sharing your opinion. You are delivering a royal message from the one who sent you.
As though God did beseech you by us. Read that slowly. When the gospel is spoken, God is beseeching. The Creator of the universe — through human voices, through imperfect messengers, through people like Paul and people like you — is pleading with sinners to accept reconciliation. God begs. The sovereign entreats. The almighty implores.
We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Paul stands in Christ's place and says what Christ would say: be reconciled. Not earn reconciliation. Not work your way to peace with God. Be reconciled — accept what has already been accomplished. The reconciliation is done (v.19). The sin has been dealt with (v.21). What remains is your response: will you receive what God has already provided?
The posture of God in this verse should stagger you. He does not sit on his throne waiting for you to figure it out. He sends ambassadors. He beseeches. He pleads through human voices. The God who has every right to demand is instead begging. Not because he is weak. Because he is loving. And the love drives the plea.
Be reconciled to God. The peace has been purchased. The ambassador has arrived. The message has been delivered. The only thing left is your response.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
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Now then we are ambassadors for Christ - We are the ambassadors whom Christ has sent forth to negotiate with people in…
We are ambassadors for Christ - Ὑπερ Χριστου - πρεσβευομεν. We execute the function of ambassadors in Christ's stead.…
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Now then we are ambassadors for Christ Literally, we undertake an embassy (legatione fungimur, Vulgate; usen message,…
Cross References
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