In the biblical context, the term "ambassador" refers to a representative or messenger sent on behalf of a sovereign or a kingdom. The role of an ambassador is to convey messages, negotiate terms, and represent the interests of the one who sent them. This concept is used both literally and metaphorically in the Scriptures to describe individuals who carry out specific missions or represent divine authority.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, ambassadors are often depicted as envoys sent by kings to negotiate treaties or deliver messages. For example, in 2 Chronicles 32:31, envoys from Babylon are sent to King Hezekiah to inquire about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land. Similarly, in Isaiah 18:2, ambassadors are sent by a nation to establish alliances: "which sends envoys by sea in papyrus boats over the water."

The role of an ambassador in the ancient Near East was significant, as they were entrusted with the authority to speak and act on behalf of their sovereign. This required a high level of trust and responsibility, as the actions of the ambassador could have far-reaching consequences for their nation.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of an ambassador takes on a more spiritual dimension. The Apostle Paul uses the term to describe his role and the role of other believers in representing Christ and His message to the world. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes, "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."

Here, the ambassadorial role is linked to the ministry of reconciliation, where believers are called to represent Christ and His message of salvation. This involves not only proclaiming the gospel but also living in a manner that reflects the values and character of the Kingdom of God.

In Ephesians 6:20, Paul again refers to himself as an ambassador, even while in chains: "for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should." Despite his imprisonment, Paul emphasizes the importance of boldly representing the gospel message.

Theological Implications

The role of an ambassador in the biblical sense carries significant theological implications. It underscores the responsibility of believers to faithfully represent Christ in their words and actions. As ambassadors for Christ, Christians are called to live out the principles of the Kingdom of God, demonstrating love, justice, and righteousness in their interactions with others.

Furthermore, the ambassadorial role highlights the concept of divine authority and mission. Just as earthly ambassadors are sent with the authority of their sovereign, believers are sent with the authority of Christ to carry out His mission on earth. This involves both the proclamation of the gospel and the embodiment of its transformative power in their lives.

Practical Application

In practical terms, being an ambassador for Christ involves a commitment to living out one's faith in everyday life. This includes sharing the message of salvation with others, engaging in acts of service and compassion, and striving to reflect the character of Christ in all interactions. It also involves a readiness to stand firm in the faith, even in the face of opposition or persecution, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul.

In summary, the biblical concept of an ambassador encompasses both the literal role of a representative in diplomatic contexts and the spiritual role of believers as representatives of Christ. This dual aspect highlights the importance of faithful representation, divine authority, and the transformative power of the gospel in the life of a believer.2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God.
Topicalbible.org

1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Topicalbible.org

4242. presbeia -- age, seniority
... an ambassador. From presbeuo; seniority (eldership), ie (by implication) an embassy
(concretely, ambassadors) -- ambassage, message. see GREEK presbeuo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4242.htm - 6k

4243. presbeuo -- to be the elder, to take precedence
... Word Origin from the same as presbuteros Definition to be the elder, to take
precedence NASB Word Usage am an ambassador (1), ambassadors (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4243.htm - 7k

4397. malak -- a messenger
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a messenger NASB Word Usage ambassadors
(2), angel (101), angels (9), envoys (1), messenger (24), messengers (76). ...
/hebrew/4397.htm - 6k

Ambassadors for Christ
... AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST. 'And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took
counsel with the Herodlans against Him, how they might ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/ambassadors for christ.htm

Ambassadors for Christ
... Ambassadors for Christ. TP John 20:21. "Who are these who come amongst us,. Strangers
to our speech and ways? Passing by our joys and treasures,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen suso and others/ambassadors for christ.htm

God's Ambassadors.
... The "How" of Relationship God's Ambassadors. If I had an ambition to be
the ambassador of this country to our mother-country, there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/gods ambassadors.htm

The Ambassadors from Babylon
... A Preacher of Righteousness Chapter 29 The Ambassadors From Babylon. ... The visit of
the ambassadors to Hezekiah was a test of his gratitude and devotion. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 29 the ambassadors from.htm

We are Ambassadors for Christ 2 Cor 5:20
... Hymn 27 We are ambassadors for CHRIST 2 Cor 5:20. John Newton 8,6,8,6. We are
ambassadors for CHRIST 2 1 Corinthians 5:20. Thy message, by the preacher, seal,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 27 we are ambassadors.htm

Cestius Sends Ambassadors to Nero. The People of Damascus Slay ...
... CHAPTER 9. Cestius Sends Ambassadors To Nero. The People Of Damascus Slay Those
Jews That Lived With Them. ... CHAPTER 9. Cestius Sends Ambassadors To Nero. ...
/.../chapter 9 cestius sends ambassadors.htm

The King's Charge to his Ambassadors
... THE KING'S CHARGE TO HIS AMBASSADORS. 'Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before
men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven.33. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the kings charge to his.htm

Ambassadors from Different Barbarous Nations Receive Presents from ...
... Book IV. Chapter VII."Ambassadors from Different Barbarous Nations receive
Presents from the Emperor. Indeed, ambassadors were ...
/.../the life of constantine/chapter vii ambassadors from different barbarous.htm

Now, in a Few Days, those Ambassadors whom He had Sent...
... Section 60. Now, in a few days, those ambassadors whom he had sent? 60. ... The ambassadors
said further, that the people were ready to burn their houses. ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 60 now in a.htm

Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was.
... out of ill successes more happy than before, but he thought to hinder them, if he
could, from growing greater, and so he resolved to send ambassadors to the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning balaam the.htm

Ambassadors (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ambassadors (9 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though ...
/a/ambassadors.htm - 9k

Ambassador (5 Occurrences)
... The Hebrews on various occasions and for various purposes had recourse to the services
of ambassadors, eg, to contract alliances (Joshua 9:4), to solicit ...
/a/ambassador.htm - 11k

Envoys (16 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:4 they also resorted to a ruse, and went and made as if they had been
ambassadors, and took old sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins, old and torn ...
/e/envoys.htm - 11k

Treading (26 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 18:2 that sendest ambassadors over the sea, and in vessels of papyrus upon
the waters, saying, Go, swift messengers, to a nation scattered and ravaged ...
/t/treading.htm - 15k

Hanes (1 Occurrence)
... Pharaoh, in his selfish haste to make league with the kingdom of Judah,
may have sent his ambassadors far beyond the frontier. The ...
/h/hanes.htm - 9k

Ambassage (2 Occurrences)
... am'-ba-saj (presbeia, "an embassy," a body of ambassadors on the message entrusted
to them): Twice used by Christ (1) in the parable of the Pounds, of the ...
/a/ambassage.htm - 7k

Sendest (15 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 18:2 that sendest ambassadors over the sea, and in vessels of papyrus upon
the waters, saying, Go, swift messengers, to a nation scattered and ravaged ...
/s/sendest.htm - 11k

Preaching (116 Occurrences)
... 6. The Hebrew Prophets 7. Christ as a Preacher 8. The Apostles as Preachers 9.
Fundamental Postulates (1) Preach the Word (2) "We Are Ambassadors" 1. Definition ...
/p/preaching.htm - 50k

Prince (160 Occurrences)
... "Ambassadors" (Jeremiah 36:14); "governors" (1 Kings 20:14 "By the young men (margin
"or, servants") of the princes of the provinces"; compare Esther 1:3, 14 ...
/p/prince.htm - 53k

Ahaz (42 Occurrences)
... tempt Yahweh" (Isaiah 7:10-12). Possibly his ambassadors were already dispatched
to the Assyrian king. Whenever they went, they took ...
/a/ahaz.htm - 43k

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