It may be the case that you never gave much thought to the importance of pronouns and the stories they have to tell, but they can change the meaning of a text when understood. When a text has two pronouns: 1) “us” and 2) “ye;” it should be clear that two groups are being addressed. When the “us” has done something on behalf of the “ye,” that has changed the spiritual state of the “ye,” it is important to know who did it and what was done.
Is there such a text that reveals the above action? Yes, the apostle Paul wrote such words. However, before looking at these words, let us notice a text which most of us know: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). One must “be in Christ” in order to be “a new creature;” but many have no idea how to get “in Christ!” The same apostle will answer the question: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:17). So, how one gets “in Christ” is no longer a mystery, as Paul stated, “as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ; “ and no one, but those who have been “baptized into Christ” have “put on Christ.” If one has “put on Christ” by being “baptized into Christ,” then, he is “in Christ” and this is how one gets “into Christ!”
Now, just what does this mean? Going back to our text and allowing Paul to answer: “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). Did you notice that Paul changed terms? More than likely you did not! He went from the generic “any man” in verse 17, to “us” in verse 18. Why the change? Paul informs why when he writes, it is God who “hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ.” Now, here is the question: Who is the antecedent of the pronoun “us?” Is it not a fact, that all who have obeyed the gospel of Christ have been “reconciled” to God? Well, let us give more thought to the question. Whoever stands as the antecedent to the pronoun “us,” has also received “the ministry of reconciliation,” as God has “given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” Before writing any more, it is important that we remember the New Testament was written during the time of the apostles, who had been commissioned and who had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These men stood where no others stood; they had received what no others ever received; and they were charged with doing what no others were so charged. Let Peter clarify this point as he speaks to Cornelius: “And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead” (Acts 10:39-42). As you read this, did you notice that Peter said: “Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead?” Clearly, the apostles stood separated, in that they were “witnesses chosen before of God” to “testify.” We must not confuse any others with the charge: “he commanded us to preach unto the people and to testify” with what others did. The apostles stood under a commandment which no others stood; and they received what no others ever received.
Now, with these thoughts before us, let us go back to our text and the words: “hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). These words are followed with: “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (verse 19). Just who is this “us?” It is the apostles! Now hang on to your hat! Paul continued: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (verse 20). Did you see it? Did you notice the change in Paul’s use of pronouns? He went from “we” to “you” in his statement. He wrote: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ;” friends, he did not write “you” are “ambassadors!” No, but he did write: “we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” You see, the Corinthians were reconciled to God by the “us,” the “ambassadors for Christ!”
The apostles by their unique commission were “ambassadors for Christ!” Just what does the word “ambassador” mean? It is the Greek, “presbeuó,” and has more than one meaning. Yet, each one is important to understanding the word. First, it means: to be older; second, it means: to be an ambassador. Paul used this word when writing to Philemon where it is translated Paul “the aged” (verse 9). However, the word “ambassador” means: “an authorized representative or messenger.” Yes, there are other meanings, but this relates directly to our text. Remember Paul had just written: “that God … hath committed unto us (the apostles) the word of reconciliation … now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” The word of reconciliation was given to the apostles of Christ in order that we may be reconciled to God! The apostles of Christ were the authorized representatives, the witnesses, the ambassadors for Christ; in that their words were his words and his words were their words!
It is hoped that in our study of pronouns the reader will pay more attention to the pronouns when reading the word of God! The Holy Spirit chose these pronouns; therefore, each one is important to the meaning and understanding of the text in which they appear!
— Frank R. Williams