Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the role of an ambassador was significant, serving as a representative or messenger sent by one sovereign or state to another. The term "ambassador" is derived from the Latin "ambactus," meaning servant or minister. In the context of the Bible, ambassadors were often tasked with negotiating peace, delivering messages, or representing the interests of their sovereign.
Old Testament ReferencesThe concept of ambassadors is evident in the Old Testament, where they are often depicted as envoys sent to negotiate or convey messages between nations. In
2 Samuel 10:2-3, we see an example of ambassadors being sent by David to express sympathy to Hanun, the king of the Ammonites, following the death of his father. However, the Ammonite princes misinterpret David's intentions, leading to conflict: "David said, 'I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.' So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s men came to the land of the Ammonites, the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, 'Do you think David is honoring your father by sending envoys to you to express sympathy? Hasn’t David sent them to you to explore the city and spy it out and overthrow it?'"
In
Isaiah 18:2, ambassadors are described as being sent by a nation to a distant land: "which sends envoys by sea in papyrus boats over the water. Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people feared far and wide, a nation powerful and oppressive, whose land the rivers divide."
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the role of an ambassador takes on a spiritual dimension. The Apostle Paul uses the term metaphorically to describe his role and that of other believers as representatives of Christ. 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, Paul emphasizes the responsibility of Christians to represent Christ and His message of reconciliation to the world.
Similarly, in
Ephesians 6:20, Paul refers to himself as an ambassador in chains, highlighting his commitment to spreading the Gospel despite his imprisonment: "for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should."
Role and SignificanceThe role of an ambassador in biblical times was one of great responsibility and honor. They were entrusted with the authority to speak on behalf of their sovereign, and their actions and words carried significant weight. In a spiritual sense, Christians are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing His kingdom and sharing His message of salvation with the world. This role requires a deep commitment to living out the values and teachings of Christ, as well as a willingness to engage with the world in a way that reflects His love and truth.
The biblical concept of ambassadors underscores the importance of faithful representation and the responsibility that comes with being a messenger of God's word. Whether in the context of ancient diplomacy or spiritual witness, ambassadors are called to act with integrity, wisdom, and dedication to their mission.
Library
The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... Council of Spartans and Athenians."The Argives reject the propositions of the
Spartans."Embassy to Sicily."Demands of Gelon."Theembassadors go to...
The Death of Cyrus.
... He accordingly raised an army and commenced a movement toward the north, sending,
at the same time,embassadors before him into the country of the Massagetae...
The End of Cambyses.
... magi."Cambyses suspicious."He plans an invasion of Ethiopia."Island of
Elephantine."The Icthyophagi."Classes of savage nations."Embassadors sent to...
The Conquest of Lydia.
... Reasons which induced Croesus to invade Media."The Lacedaemonians."Embassadors to
Sparta."Preparations of Croesus."The counsel of Sardaris."The army...
Superseded Lutheran Symbols. The Saxon Confession. The Wurtemberg...
... [697] In the mean time the Saxon and W?�rtemberg lay-embassadors received a hearing
at Trent, not, indeed, before the whole Council in public session, but...
The Retreat from Scythia.
... As soon as Darius had passed the river, the Scythians sentembassadors to all their
people, proposing to them to form a general alliance against the invader....
Engravings.
... MAP OF GREECE 101. XERXES CROSSING THE HELLESPONT 121. FATE OF THE PERSIANEMBASSADORS
AT SPARTA 160. CITADEL AT ATHENS 241. RETURN OF XERXES TO PERSIA 297....
The Orthodox Confession of Mogilas, AD 1643.
... It is directed, first, against the Jesuits who, under the protection of the French
embassadors in Constantinople, labored to reconcile the Greek Church with...
Of Regulus, in whom we have an Example of the Voluntary Endurance...
... they, being more anxious to exchange their prisoners with the Romans than to keep
them, sent Regulus as a special envoy with their ownembassadors to negotiate...
The Warning Neglected
... Alas! there are myriads of our fellow-creatures who have never been warned by God's
embassadors, who know not that wrath abideth on them, and who do not yet...
Thesaurus
Embassadors (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Embassadors (8 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are
embassadors for Christ, as though God did
...Wine-bottles (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:4 They did work craftily, and went and made as if they had beenembassadors,
and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine-bottles, old, and rent, and...
Embassy (2 Occurrences)
Embassador (4 Occurrences)
Craftily (7 Occurrences)
... Joshua 9:4 They did work craftily, and went and made as if they had beenembassadors,
and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine-bottles, old, and rent, and...
Measured (91 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 18:2 That sendethembassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon
the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers to a nation scattered and peeled...
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