Under the Roman Empire, ambassadors were sent to different parts of the world to maintain diplomatic relations. There were two types of ambassadors. Firstly, there were the Legates. These were high-ranking officials appointed by the Roman Emperor to represent him. Secondly, there were the Envoys. These were lower in rank than the first category and they were deployed for specific missions or negotiation of specific agreements. The ambassadors were typically people from aristocratic or senatorial class because of their knowledge, diplomatic skills, and social status.

As ambassadors of Christ, we should do what He would have done if He was physically present. Wherever we find ourselves, we must never forget that we are planted there for a reason. 

Apostle Paul must have had the practice of ambassadorial mission under the Roman Empire in mind when he penned down our text. Just as those ambassadors were representatives of the Roman Emperor in foreign lands, the believers are meant to represent Jesus the King of the universe wherever we are found. Though not all believers are necessarily of noble background, we are nonetheless expected to be people of wisdom. This informs the charge that Jesus gave to his disciples when He commissioned them – ““Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16 NKJV. As ambassadors of Christ, we should do what He would have done if He was physically present. Wherever we find ourselves, we must never forget that we are planted there for a reason.