²⁰ So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God.^(A)

²³ Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled.

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

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

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹¹ Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences.^(A)

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

⁶ who has made us qualified to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.^(A)

³¹ Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?^{(A) 32} For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Turn, then, and live.^(B)

⁸ Therefore whoever rejects this rejects not human authority but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you.