Lexical Summary presbeuó: To be an ambassador, to act as a representative Original Word: πρεσβεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be an ambassador. From the base of presbuteros; to be a senior, i.e. (by implication) act as a representative (figuratively, preacher) -- be an ambassador. see GREEK presbuteros HELPS Word-studies 4243 presbeúō (a verb derived from presbys, "an older, venerated person") – properly, to be elderly or mature, "to be the elder, to take precedence and hence act as an ambassador" (A-S). 4243 /presbeúō ("act as an ambassador") means to act as an established statesman (diplomat) – a trusted, respected ambassador who is authorized to speak as God's emissary (represent His kingdom). This term is used in the ancient phrase, "I am on embassy to the Emperor, I am an ambassador" (Souter) – i.e. as someone respected as trustworthy (loyal, knowledgeable), especially in the opinion of those they know (belong to). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as presbuteros Definition to be the elder, to take precedence NASB Translation am an ambassador (1), ambassadors (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4243: πρεσβεύωπρεσβεύω; (πρέσβυς an old man, an elder (Curtius, p. 479; Vanicek, p. 186)); 1. to be older, prior by birth or in age ((Sophocles), Herodotus and following). 2. to be an ambassador, act as an ambassador: 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20, ((Herodotus 5, 93 at the beginning), Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, and following). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Conceptual Background The verb denotes the activity of an authorized envoy who speaks and acts on behalf of a sovereign. In the Greco-Roman world ambassadors carried the weight of the state that commissioned them; to reject the envoy was to reject the sender. Scripture adopts this diplomatic image to describe the gospel ministry, portraying believers—especially the apostolic band—as representatives who carry the authority, message, and character of the risen Christ. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. 2 Corinthians 5:20: “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.” Both occurrences lie in intensely missionary contexts and are penned by Paul from circumstances of hardship. Together they outline the identity, message, and cost of gospel ambassadorship. Historical and Cultural Setting Roman emperors appointed legati who negotiated treaties and announced imperial decrees. Such envoys traveled under the protection of ius legationis and bore credentials (diplomata). Paul deliberately draws on this imagery: the apostle stands before a hostile world not as a private citizen but as one bearing the divine diplomata of the gospel. His “chains” (Ephesians 6:20) highlight that ambassadorship may entail suffering when the empire confronted is the dominion of darkness. Old Testament Foundations The roots stretch back to prophetic literature where messengers relay covenantal terms (for example, Isaiah 18:2; Proverbs 13:17). Israel’s prophets did not craft their own message; they began with the formula “Thus says the LORD,” signifying delegated authority. This heritage prepares the way for the New Testament concept: the gospel herald stands in continuity with covenant messengers, now proclaiming the finished work of Christ. Pauline Theology of Ambassadorship • Authority: Paul is “entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). The ambassador’s boldness flows from divine commissioning, not personal status. Christ as the Supreme Delegation Jesus embodies the perfect revelation of the Father (John 1:18; Hebrews 1:1-2). He is both Sender and Sent, the prototype of every subsequent ambassador. Post-resurrection, He commissions the Eleven: “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). The church’s ambassadorship is therefore Christological at its core—derivative of and dependent upon the mission of the Son. Practical Implications for Ministry 1. Gospel Fidelity: Ambassadors do not edit dispatches. Faithful exposition guards against cultural dilution (Galatians 1:8-9). Ambassadorship and Spiritual Warfare Ephesians situates the ambassador within the armor-bearing soldier metaphor (Ephesians 6:10-20). Diplomatic service unfolds amid cosmic conflict, where truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace function as both proclamation and protection. The envoy engages not only human audiences but also spiritual powers that contest the advance of the Kingdom. Eschatological Perspective The present ministry of reconciliation anticipates the consummation when “the kingdoms of the world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). Until that day ambassadors plead for peace before the day of judgment closes negotiations forever. Summary Strong’s 4243 encapsulates the privilege and gravity of representing the King of kings. Rooted in prophetic tradition, modeled by Christ, and exemplified in Paul, ambassadorship defines the church’s outward posture: authoritative yet humble, urgent yet patient, suffering yet victorious. Every disciple is summoned to stand as a herald of reconciliation, carrying the unaltered message of the crucified and risen Lord to every corner of the world. Forms and Transliterations πρεσβευομεν πρεσβεύομεν πρεσβευω πρεσβεύω presbeuo presbeuō presbeúo presbeúō presbeuomen presbeúomenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 5:20 V-PIA-1PGRK: Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν ὡς τοῦ NAS: Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, KJV: Now then we are ambassadors for INT: Christ therefore we are ambassadors as it were Ephesians 6:20 V-PIA-1S Strong's Greek 4243 |
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