{We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ} (huper
Christou oun presbeuomen). Old word from presbus, an old man,
first to be an old man, then to be an ambassador (here and  Eph
6:20  with en halus(8869) in a chain added), common in both senses
in the Greek. "The proper term in the Greek East for the
Emperor's Legate" (Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p.
374), in inscriptions and papyri. So Paul has a natural pride in
using this dignified term for himself and all ministers. The
ambassador has to be _persona grata_ with both countries (the one
that he represents and the one to which he goes). Paul was
Christ's _Legate_ to act in his behalf and in his stead. {As
though God were intreating by us} (h(9373) tou theou parakalountos
di' h(886d)(936e)). Genitive absolute with h(9373) used with the
participle as often to give the reason (apparent or real). Here
God speaks through Christ's Legate. {Be ye reconciled to God}
(katallag(8874)e t(9369) the(9369)). Second aorist passive imperative of
katallass(935c) and used with the dative case. "Get reconciled to
God," and do it now. This is the ambassador's message as he bears
it to men from God.