2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ Literally, we undertake an embassy (legatione fungimur, Vulgate; usen message, Wiclif). Tyndale, followed by Cranmer and the Geneva Version, render, are messengers in the roume of. The Rhemish characteristically renders by legates. The signification -in the room of," for ὑπέρ, is doubtful. It is perhaps better to render -for" with the A.V. (Vulgate, pro). Cf. Ephesians 6:20. An ambassador represents the monarch from whom he is sent, in all matters relating to his mission. What the nature of the mission was, and what the powers of the ambassadors, is stated in the remaining words of the verse.

as though God did beseech you by us See notes on ch. 2 Corinthians 1:3. God may be said rather to exhortor encouragethan to beseech(as if God monestith bi us, Wiclif). This, then, was the object for which the full powers of the ambassadors were given, an object still more clearly defined in what follows. Cf. Malachi 2:7; Galatians 4:14.

we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God Rather, we intreat on behalf of Christ (sec above). First there was the encouraging tidings that there was -henceforth no condemnation" to those who accepted the reconciliation offered through Christ (or perhaps the exhortation to accept it, see last note), and next the still more urgent entreaty on Christ's behalf that they would accept it.