Topical Encyclopedia
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 UsageIn 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 UsageIn 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 ImplicationsThe 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 ApplicationIn 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.
Topical Bible Verses
2 Corinthians 5:20Now 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.org1 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
Greek
4242. presbeia -- age, seniority... an ambassador. From presbeuo; seniority (eldership), ie (by implication) an embassy
(concretely,
ambassadors) -- ambassage, message. see GREEK presbeuo.
...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)....
Strong's Hebrew
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).
...Library
Ambassadors for Christ
...AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST. 'And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took
counsel with the Herodlans against Him, how they might...
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,....
God'sAmbassadors.
... The "How" of Relationship God'sAmbassadors. If I had an ambition to be
the ambassador of this country to our mother-country, there...
TheAmbassadors from Babylon
... A Preacher of Righteousness Chapter 29 TheAmbassadors From Babylon.... The visit of
theambassadors to Hezekiah was a test of his gratitude and devotion....
We areAmbassadors for Christ 2 Cor 5:20
... Hymn 27 We areambassadors 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,....
Cestius SendsAmbassadors to Nero. The People of Damascus Slay...
... CHAPTER 9. Cestius SendsAmbassadors To Nero. The People Of Damascus Slay Those
Jews That Lived With Them.... CHAPTER 9. Cestius SendsAmbassadors To Nero....
The King's Charge to hisAmbassadors
... THE KING'S CHARGE TO HISAMBASSADORS. 'Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before
men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven.33....
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...
Now, in a Few Days, thoseAmbassadors whom He had Sent...
... Section 60. Now, in a few days, thoseambassadors whom he had sent? 60.... Theambassadors
said further, that the people were ready to burn their houses....
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 sendambassadors to the...
Thesaurus
Ambassadors (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Ambassadors (9 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore
ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though
...Ambassador (5 Occurrences)
... The Hebrews on various occasions and for various purposes had recourse to the services
ofambassadors, eg, to contract alliances (Joshua 9:4), to solicit...
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...
Treading (26 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 18:2 that sendestambassadors over the sea, and in vessels of papyrus upon
the waters, saying, Go, swift messengers, to a nation scattered and ravaged...
Hanes (1 Occurrence)
... Pharaoh, in his selfish haste to make league with the kingdom of Judah,
may have sent hisambassadors far beyond the frontier. The...
Ambassage (2 Occurrences)
... am'-ba-saj (presbeia, "an embassy," a body ofambassadors on the message entrusted
to them): Twice used by Christ (1) in the parable of the Pounds, of the...
Sendest (15 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 18:2 that sendestambassadors over the sea, and in vessels of papyrus upon
the waters, saying, Go, swift messengers, to a nation scattered and ravaged...
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 AreAmbassadors" 1. Definition...
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...
Ahaz (42 Occurrences)
... tempt Yahweh" (Isaiah 7:10-12). Possibly hisambassadors were already dispatched
to the Assyrian king. Whenever they went, they took...
Resources
What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Vatican / Vatican City? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an apostle? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
