2 Corinthians 5 20

2 Corinthians 5:20 kjv

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.

2 Corinthians 5:20 nkjv

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.

2 Corinthians 5:20 niv

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 esv

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 nlt

So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!"

2 Corinthians 5 verses

2 Corinthians 5 20 Meaning

This verse states that believers are ambassadors for Christ, and God makes his appeal through them. As God's representatives, believers are entrusted with the crucial message of reconciliation. They are called to earnestly implore others to accept this divine offer, signifying that God Himself is actively working through His people to bring about salvation.

2 Corinthians 5 20 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 5 deals extensively with the nature of the new life in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to believers. Following the discussion of the "heavenly dwelling" and the earnest desire for believers to be found "clothed," Paul transitions to the practical outworking of this new reality. He emphasizes that because of Christ's work, believers are a "new creation" (v. 17), reconciled to God. This reconciliation isn't a private experience but a dynamic ministry to be carried out in the world. Verse 20 directly follows the assertion that God has given them the ministry of reconciliation and explains how this ministry is to be enacted: through their plea as Christ's ambassadors. The context highlights the urgent and authoritative nature of the gospel message being delivered through transformed individuals.

2 Corinthians 5 20 Word Analysis

• So (οὖν - oun): Therefore, consequently. This is a connective particle, linking this statement logically to the preceding declaration about the ministry of reconciliation.
• we (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): First-person plural pronoun. Emphasizes that this is a collective responsibility of all believers.
• are (ἐσμὲν - esmen): First-person plural present indicative of εἰμί (eimi), meaning "to be." A state of being.
• ambassadors (πρεσβεύομεν - presbeuomen): From πρεσβεύω (presbeuō), meaning "to be an ambassador, to act as an ambassador." Ambassadors represent a sovereign king or government in a foreign land. This word carries significant weight, implying representation, authority, and a message of official importance.
• for (ὑπὲρ - hyper): For, on behalf of, instead of. In this context, it signifies acting on behalf of Christ.
• Christ (Χριστοῦ - Christou): The Messiah, the Anointed One. Their representation is directly tied to Jesus Christ.
• and (καὶ - kai): A coordinating conjunction.
• as (ὥσπερ - hōsper): Just as, even as. Introduces a comparison or explanation.
• God (θεοῦ - theou): The one true God.
• is (ἐστιν - estin): Third-person singular present indicative of εἰμί (eimi).
• exhorting (παρακαλοῦντος - parakalountos): From παρακαλέω (parakaleō), meaning "to call to one's side, to summon, to encourage, to urge, to implore." This implies a heartfelt appeal, an earnest pleading, not a mere suggestion.
• by (δι’ - di): Through. Indicates the channel or means.
• us (ἡμῶν - hēmōn): Our.
• we (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): Again, emphasizing collective action.
• implore (δεόμεθα - deometha): First-person plural present indicative of δέομαι (deomai), meaning "to beg, to entreat, to pray for." This strengthens the idea of an urgent and earnest plea.
• you (ὑμᾶς - hymaos): Second-person plural. The audience being addressed by Paul and the other apostles.
• on (ὑπὲρ - hyper): For, on behalf of, instead of. Similar to its use earlier, suggesting reconciliation on behalf of or in the place of others with God.
• Christ’s (Χριστοῦ - Christou): Belonging to Christ. The plea is in His name and by His authority.
• be (γείνεσθε - geinesthē): Second-person plural present imperative of γίνομαι (ginomai), meaning "to become." Imperative calls for a conscious action or a state of becoming.
• reconciled (καταλλάγητε - katallagēte): Second-person plural aorist passive subjunctive of καταλλάσσω (katallassō), meaning "to exchange, to reconcile." To be reconciled is to be brought back into harmony, to have the alienation removed.

Group of Words Analysis:

• we are ambassadors for Christ (ἡμεῖς ... πρεσβεύομεν ... Χριστοῦ): This phrase establishes the primary role and identity of believers in the world. It is not an option but a commission and a current reality. They carry the credentials and the message of the King of kings.
• as God is exhorting by us (ὥσπερ ... θεοῦ ... παρακαλοῦντος ... ἡμῶν): This emphasizes that the ambassadorial message is not their own but originates from God. It's God speaking and urging through His chosen messengers.
• we implore you (ἡμεῖς ... δεόμεθα ... ὑμᾶς): This highlights the method and tone of the ministry—a fervent, earnest pleading, reflecting the compassion of God.
• be reconciled to God (καταλλάγητε ... τῷ θεῷ): This is the core of the message: a call to cease hostilities, to mend the broken relationship with the Creator.

2 Corinthians 5 20 Bonus Section

The concept of "ambassador" (πρεσβευτής - presbetes) was well-understood in the Roman world, where official envoys were sent to represent the Emperor and communicate his decrees. Paul uses this concept to convey the immense privilege and solemn duty of believers. The term emphasizes their authority, their sacred trust, and the foreignness of their true citizenship (Phil 3:20). It also implies that while they are in this world, they do not fully belong to it. The dual phrasing, "we are ambassadors for Christ" and "God is exhorting by us," powerfully conveys both the identity and the source of the message. It’s not a human suggestion but a divine imperative delivered through human lips, empowered by the divine Spirit. The act of imploring (δεόμεθα - deometha) suggests a desperate need on the part of the recipient to accept the offer of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5 20 Commentary

Paul uses powerful imagery to convey the dignity and responsibility of the Christian ministry. Believers are not mere emissaries; they are "ambassadors for Christ." This means they represent His person, His kingdom, and His will to the world. Just as earthly ambassadors speak with the authority of the sovereign they represent, believers speak with the authority of God who has sent them. The initiative comes from God, who, through Christ, has already reconciled the world to Himself. Now, this reconciliation needs to be proclaimed and accepted. The ministry is thus one of persuasion, of earnest entreaty. The "appeal" or "imploring" is not a demand but a loving, urgent invitation stemming from God's own heart. It’s a plea from God, channelled through His ambassadors, urging humanity to embrace the peace offered through Christ. The urgency is underscored by the knowledge of eternity and the lost state of those apart from Christ. It’s a divine plea for people to embrace divine peace.

Practical Usage:

• When sharing the gospel, remember you are representing Christ, not just yourself.
• Speak with passion and conviction, echoing God’s own heart for reconciliation.
• Don't be discouraged if your message is not immediately accepted; continue to plead with love and grace.
• Recognize that the power for effective witness comes from God through the Holy Spirit.