²⁰ Therefore, ^(A)we are ambassadors for Christ, ^(B)God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

²³ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.

²⁰ for which I ^(A)am an ambassador ^(B)in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

⁷ For ^(A)the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people^[a] should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹¹ Therefore, knowing ^(A)the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But ^(B)what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.

²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As ^(A)the Father has sent me, ^(B)even so I am sending you.”

⁶ who has made us sufficient to be ^(A)ministers of ^(B)a new covenant, not of ^(C)the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but ^(D)the Spirit gives life.

^31 (A)Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and ^(B)make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! ^(C)Why will you die, O house of Israel? ^32 (D)For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; ^(E)so turn, and live.”

⁸ Therefore ^(A)whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, ^(B)who gives his Holy Spirit to you.