Second Corinthians 5:20 means that Christians act as official representatives of Christ, speaking on his behalf as if God himself were making an appeal through them. The verse calls people to be reconciled to God, which means to set aside their hostility and come back into a right relationship with him. Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth, a congregation that had its own quarrels with him and with one another.
We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (WEB)
What 2 Corinthians 5:20 Means
The phrase “ambassadors on behalf of Christ” uses a word from the diplomatic world of Paul’s day. An ambassador does not speak for himself. He carries a message from a king or government and is trusted to deliver it faithfully. Paul is saying that his role, and the role of every believer, is to carry the message of Christ to others with the authority of the one who sent it.
The next phrase, “as though God were entreating by us,” shows how that message is delivered. God is not portrayed as distant or demanding. He is pictured as pleading, almost as if he were speaking through the voices of his messengers. The word “entreat” carries the sense of earnest, heartfelt begging, which tells you something about God’s attitude toward people who are still estranged from him.
The verse does not promise that every hearer will respond, and it does not describe a mechanical formula for salvation. What it does is name the invitation clearly and call people to accept it. The reconciliation it describes is something God offers and something a person must receive by turning toward him.
The Context of 2 Corinthians 5:20
Second Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul, traditionally dated to around the middle of the first century, and addressed to the church he had founded in Corinth. The letter is intensely personal. Paul defends his apostolic ministry against critics, shares his own hardships, and urges the believers to restore their relationships with him and with one another.
The verses just before this one, in 2 Corinthians 5:17 to 19, describe a new creation in Christ and explain that God reconciled us to himself through Jesus and entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation. Verse 20 flows directly from that statement. Because God has done the reconciling work, believers are sent out to announce it. The verse that follows, 2 Corinthians 5:21, explains how this reconciliation was accomplished through Christ’s sacrifice, which gives the appeal its foundation.
Key Phrases in 2 Corinthians 5:20
Romans 5:10
For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life.
(WEB)
Paul writes in Romans that while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son. This passage explains the foundation for the reconciliation that 2 Corinthians 5:20 calls people to accept, showing that God took the initiative long before we responded.
Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.
(WEB)
This verse describes people who were once far away being brought near through the blood of Christ. It reinforces the idea that the distance between humanity and God has been bridged, which is the good news believers are sent out to proclaim.
A Short Prayer From 2 Corinthians 5:20
Father, thank you for making a way back to you through Jesus Christ. Thank you that you are not indifferent to the distance we create, but that you plead with us through your word and through the lives of those who love you. Help me to speak your message with honesty and gentleness, trusting that you are the one who changes hearts. Give me courage to share the reconciliation you offer and wisdom to walk in peace with those around me. Amen.
