20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
Christians are God’s ambassadors.
20 Now then,
The words “now then” form the conclusion of Paul’s argument to this point. “Now then” brings into focus verses 20-21. Since it follows that God is reconciled, the upshot is that He has commissioned ambassadors of reconciliation.
we are ambassadors [representatives, envoys] for Christ,
Paul’s team were “ambassadors” for Christ. They spoke for Christ. They did not speak from their own authority but from the commission that Christ gave them. They were representatives of Christ on earth. They acted on behalf of Christ. It was their indispensable duty.
PRINCIPLE:
An ambassador makes the case for the one who sent him.
APPLICATION:
An ambassador is someone who represents his nation. He is more than a messenger; he personally represents the sovereign God who sent him.
An envoy speaks for another. As envoys of Christ, we speak for Him. An ambassador does not appoint himself but is appointed by King Jesus from His grace. The King gives the ambassador resources for his job. An ambassador does not represent himself. He does not belong to the country to which the King sends him. The ambassador does not take rejection personally.
