Paul was an ambassador for Christ, divinely commissioned to represent the King of heaven on earth. That calling shaped his identity—it wasn’t rooted in comfort, popularity, or freedom, but in God’s purpose for his life. Even when chained in a Roman prison, his role didn’t change. The world saw a captive; heaven saw a messenger on mission. His body may have been bound, but his spirit stood tall, anchored in the unchanging truth of who he was in Christ. Paul was “an ambassador in chains” (Eph 6:20).
Paul’s identity didn’t fluctuate with his circumstances. Confinement didn’t cancel his calling. He didn’t let hardship rewrite his purpose or silence his voice. With chains on his wrists, he still spoke with boldness, wrote with clarity, and lived with conviction. Faith kept him grounded. The mission didn’t stop just because the scenery changed. God’s grace was sufficient, and His strength was made perfect in Paul’s weakness (2 Cor 12:9).
Every Christian is an ambassador for Christ—sent on mission by the Lord. Paul wrote, “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us” (2 Cor 5:20). While he was speaking as an apostle, the context makes it clear—this isn’t just about Paul. A few verses earlier, he says God “gave us the ministry of reconciliation” and “committed to us the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18–19). Who’s the “us”? All believers. If you’re in Christ, you’re a new creation with a divine mission—representing Jesus in a world that desperately needs Him (2 Cor 5:17).
Paul had a unique office, but the role of ambassador extends to us all. We’re not just forgiven—we’re commissioned. We belong to heaven but are stationed on earth (Phil 3:20). And we’re not here to blend in—we’re here to speak up. We carry a divine message, backed by a divine mandate. Every day is a chance to live sent lives, to represent our King, and to urge others to be reconciled to God through Christ. If you’re saved, you’re on assignment. And the primary message is the gospel of grace that saves all who trust in Christ as Savior (John 3:16; Acts 16:31)—but our role doesn’t stop there. As ambassadors, we’re also called to build up fellow believers (1 Th 5:11), defend the truth (Tit 1:9; Jude 1:3), and glorify our King through lives marked by faith and faithfulness (1 Cor 10:31; Phil 1:27).
Dr. Steven R. Cook
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May I share these messages as written and credited appropriately? Thanks.
Hi Bill, yes, feel free to share whatever is written on my blog. I hope it’s helpful.